Getting synchronised in the mirror game: an exploratory study

This exploratory study aimed to disassemble interpersonal movement synchrony by looking at the different elements that comprise this kind of interaction. For this purpose, we used the mirror-game (MG)- an imitation movement technique commonly used in drama and dance/movement therapy. Forty-eight participants (mean age = 33.2) played the MG with same gender-matched expert players. All MGs were recorded and later observed. We used in-depth observation of the MG and created the MG-Synchrony-Scales (MGSS), which identify eight parameters: Reference to the other, Adopting the suggestions, Complexity of the participant’s movement, Sync time, Entering synchrony, Complexity of synchronised dyadic movement, Exiting synchrony, and Non-jittery motion. We explored statistically the links between these different elements of movement synchrony. Using the MGSS showed that the qualities one needs to synchronise with the other are a combination of paying attention to the other and readiness to freely explore a variety of movements and roles.