Synchronized movement predicts the quality of the relationship and the success of psychotherapy

What is it about?

Nonverbal synchrony – the coordination of nonverbal behavior in social interaction – is associated with the perceived quality of a relationship. Movement behavior of patients and therapists in psychotherapy was automatically assessed by computer software. In a sample of 104 therapy sessions, synchronized movements were significantly more frequently found than would be expected by chance. Nonverbal synchrony was more pronounced in dyads with good relationship quality and in therapies with good outcome. Nonverbal synchrony thus embodies important aspects of the therapeutic relationship.

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