How imperative is group synchrony in the synchrony effect?

Abstract

The synchrony effect (SE) refers to finding that individuals appear to release greater levels of endorphins when participating in vigorous activity in synchrony with other compared to performing the same activity alone (Cohen et al., 2010). Research has demonstrated that synchrony is characterized by two specific modes of coordination: in-phase and anti-phase (Haken et al. 1985; Schmidt et al., 1990) but that it is the in-phase type of synchronization that represents a more stable attractor state (Haken et al., 1985). The current study investigated whether different modes of coordination would produce the same synchrony effect. Eighteen experienced rowers trained for 30-minutes under three conditions: alone, in-phase synchrony and anti-phase synchrony. In-phase and anti-phase conditions occurred in partner dyads. Workload in all three conditions was standardized. As per the protocol of Cohen et al., endorphin levels were?átested?ávia blood pressure cuff pain threshold test taken immediately before and after trials. ANOVA analyses revealed a significant main effect of condition on pain tolerance (F (2, 17) = 11.17, p < .001). Follow up t tests showed that in-phase synchrony resulted in significantly higher pain tolerance than either anti-phase synchrony or alone. These results suggest that the SE as noted by Cohen et al. may be particular to one specific aspect of synchrony.