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Monday, November 21, 2011

The Recipe for Rapport

This week, the core psychology series is summarizing research on the existence and effect of rapport between individuals. The following information has come from Chapter Two of psychologist Daniel Goleman’s book “Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships”, published by Random House Digital. In “A Recipe for Rapport”, Goleman outlines current research on rapport that indicates it is associated with feelings of engagement and positivity during an interaction. Understanding the current research could provide mediators with useful insight into effective communication.

Goleman indicates that rapport is correlated with a physiology pattern. Notably, there is a sweat response that can be observed when two individuals are enjoying their interactions or feel understood by each other. While the concept of rapport is correlated with a physiological response, Goleman states that individuals perceived to have a rapport also report or demonstrate creative and efficient decision making, strengthened bonds, and feelings of warmth, friendliness, understanding, and genuineness.

Goleman outlines three key elements of rapport: shared attention, shared positive feelings and coordination of non-verbal behaviours. These elements are related to positivity and engagement in interactions.

Shared Intention

Shared Intention involves individuals being jointly attentive to the same stimuli. Having joint attention can fuel mutual empathy between individuals. For example, a scientific study was conducted where researchers observed participants that witnessed a confederate reinjuring a small cut on their hand. Participants looking at the confederate winced and displayed a pained expression. Participants not looking at the confederate knew the confederate was in pain, but did not display the pained facial expression.

Shared Positive Feelings

Shared positive feelings are facilitated by non-verbal messages during conversation, such as tone of voice or facial expressions. In a study, confederates provided negative feedback to study participants, with different accompanying facial expressions. Participants that were given negative feedback while still receiving warm facial expressions reported higher feelings of overall positivity about the interaction.

Coordination of Non-verbal Behaviours

Coordination between individuals’ non-verbal behaviours can fuel feelings of rapport. One of the most notable examples of this is mimicry. Mimicry refers to instances where individuals mimic each other’s non-verbal behaviours, such as tapping ones foot. Mimicry, when not forced, is correlated with increased positive feelings towards an individual. For example, students whose postures where similar to their teachers in a class room reported feeling more involved in the classroom. Be wary though, people can notice when someone is trying to mimic their behaviours, which can lead to negative impressions. Daniel’s article indicates when individuals lack this coordination, conversations can make participants feel uncomfortable.

Although there would not be much use in trying to coordinate our non-verbal behaviours with participants in mediation, it seems being cognizant of how we focus our attention and of how we express ourselves would be useful. It does seem obvious that trying to stay positive and focused as a mediator would improve the moods and engagement levels of participants, but sometimes it is hard to know if such efforts have any impact. As seen in the studies outlined previously, it seems like putting in an effort to maintain our own positivity and focus in mediation may have a tangible effect on participants in mediation, especially if negativity may persist between the parties themselves.

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