Neural and Cognitive Systems Underlying the Effects of Being Mimicked

The theory that being mimicked fosters liking is prevalent in psychology research, but its underlying mechanisms are not well understood, and findings have been inconsistent. This thesis aims to determine whether being mimicked (BeMim) induces affiliation and to investigate the cognitive, neural, and physiological mechanisms involved. The research critically examines which form of mimicking is more effective in enhancing interpersonal liking: copying abstract choices (choice BeMim) or copying motor movements (motor BeMim). Additionally, the thesis introduces a novel approach to measuring affiliation by incorporating forced-choice questions alongside traditional rating scales. Study 1 manipulated choice BeMim and demonstrated that being copied in choices significantly enhances affiliation towards the mimicker. Studies 2 and 3 investigated whether affiliative effects depend on what is copied, revealing stronger effects of choice BeMim than motor BeMim on liking. Study 3 used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electrocardiography (ECG) to examine cortical responses to being mimicked in choices and actions in addition to testing whether mimicry modulates heart rate synchrony. The neural findings indicated differential pathways, with mirror neuron system involvement for choice BeMim and social brain network engagement for motor BeMim. Moreover, the results revealed heart rate synchrony that was unaffected by the presence or the type of mimicry. Study 4 investigated links between interpersonal synchrony, homophily, and affiliation during social events using novel wearable sensors in groups of strangers. Interpersonal synchrony predicted affiliation, and this association was moderated by personality homophily. The findings are discussed in the context of the social glue hypothesis. Overall, this work extends theoretical and methodological understanding of being mimicked and advances our understanding of how people affiliate. Study 1 manipulated choice BeMim and demonstrated that being copied in choices significantly enhances affiliation towards the mimicker. Studies 2 and 3 investigated whether affiliative effects depend on what is copied, revealing stronger effects of choice BeMim than motor BeMim on liking. Study 3 used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electrocardiography (ECG) to examine cortical responses to being mimicked in choices and actions in addition to testing whether mimicry modulates heart rate synchrony. The neural findings indicated differential pathways, with mirror neuron system involvement for choice BeMim and social brain network engagement for motor BeMim. Moreover, the results revealed heart rate synchrony that was unaffected by the presence or the type of mimicry. Study 4 investigated links between interpersonal synchrony, homophily, and affiliation during social events using novel wearable sensors in groups of strangers. Interpersonal synchrony predicted affiliation, and this association was moderated by personality homophily. The findings are discussed in the context of the social glue hypothesis. Overall, this work extends theoretical and methodological understanding of being mimicked and advances our understanding of how people affiliate.