Self and Other, Mind and Body; Physiological Synchronization in Social Connection

This study investigates how interoceptive accuracy (the ability to perceive internal bodily signals) relates to understanding others’ physiological states. Building on prior findings that individual heartbeat perception (HBP) predicts accuracy in intuiting a partner’s heartbeat, this project aims to replicate these effects in a larger sample and examine the role of self–other merging. Additionally, it tests whether dyadic tapping can enhance individual and interpersonal interoceptive accuracy. Dyads complete individual and interpersonal HBP tasks following tapping conditions, with continuous ECG recording. Self-report measures and behavioral tasks will assess emotional awareness and decision-making. Network and synchrony analyses will evaluate relationships among interoception, social cognition, and physiological coupling. Findings will clarify mechanisms linking bodily awareness to social connection.