Past research shows that many behaviors and physiological processes tend to vary cyclically. It has been suggested that during social interaction, these behavioral and physiological rhythms become coordinated between partners; and that greater coordination between partners is accompanied by more positive feelings. However, few studies have actually examined coordination of rhythms during social interaction. This study will explore the coordination of rhythms in 100 dyads. Variations in amount of talking, blood pressure, heart rate, and palmar sweating will be analyzed to evaluate (1) whether there is evidence that each of these processes tends to vary cyclically; and (2) whether pairs of subjects who show close coordination of physiological rhythms tend to show more positive affect than pairs of subjects who show little or no coordination. Another question that will be considered is the relative importance of coordination of rhythms compared to other well.established factors that are known to influence liking (such as attitude similarity and physical attractiveness). This research will provide new information about a basic and controversial question that is central to social interaction research. Many theorists believe that when there is marked cyclicity in behavioral and physiological processes and close coordination between partners, the social interaction is going well, and that these smoothly coordinated rhythms are associated with positive feelings and interpersonal attraction. There is speculation that (over the long term), disorganization or decoupling among behavioral and physiological rhythms is detrimental to physical and mental health. However, there are a few researchers who have argued the opposite point of view, claiming that coordination of cyclical behavior between partners is an indication that the social system is not functioning well. They argue that close coordination is an indication of a lack of flexibility or spontaneity. The results of this study will help to decide whether more rhythmically structured social interactions have positive or negative consequences for the way participants feel.
