The Neural Dynamics of Interpersonal Synchrony
摘要
Over several decades, research on interactional synchrony has demonstrated the power of social situations for creating coordinated and rhythmic patterns of shared behavior between and within individuals and groups. More recently, dating back to the early 2010s, work within social neuroscience has revealed the extent to which such behavioral patterns are reflected in and driven by shared neural activity. While the broader literature on interactional synchrony has developed around a fairly robust set of theoretical models, research on neural synchrony and interbrain synchronization lacks a strong theoretical backbone. In this chapter, we argue in favor of developing a neurosociology of synchrony that draws on well-established sociological theories to make sense of and bring coherence to a diverse set of empirical findings within social neuroscience. We review research on behavioral, biological, and neural synchrony, calling attention both to ways that sociological theory can help explain diverse findings and to how such findings can open new avenues of theoretical inquiry for sociologists. Additionally, we provide examples of research that highlights the value that sociological theory brings to neuroscience and that neuroscience brings to sociology, identifying open questions and future directions. In doing so, we call special attention to work on vocal accommodation as an example for neurosociologists to follow and a potential starting point for developing a unique neurosociology of interpersonal synchrony.