Rohr MK, Salazar Kämpf M, Kunzmann U. Love and Imitation: Facial Mimicry and Relationship Satisfaction in Younger and Older Couples.
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021;
77:1210-1218. [PMID:
34655217 DOI:
10.1093/geronb/gbab193]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Social mimicry, the imitation of one's conversation partner, is associated with empathy, liking, and affiliation. Because previous research has mainly focused on young adulthood and zero acquaintances, little is known about age differences in mimicry and its role for romantic relationships.
METHODS
In this study, 37 younger and 41 older couples talked about an ongoing problem faced by one of the partners while being video-recorded. Three independent observers assessed partners' facial mimicry. After the conversation, couples evaluated the quality of their relationship.
RESULTS
Younger couples imitated each other more than older couples. The link between mimicry and relationship quality was mixed. While facial mimicry was not linked to subjective closeness in either younger or older couples, there was a significant positive association between mimicry and relationship satisfaction in young, but not older, couples.
DISCUSSION
Overall, the results suggest that facial mimicry is a social process that becomes less prevalent and might differ in their function as individuals age.
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