The effect of different phases of synchrony on pain threshold.

Abstract

Synchronization of behavior between individuals has been found to result in a variety of prosocial outcomes. The role of endorphins in vigorous synchronous activities (Cohen, Ejsmond-Frey, Knight, & Dunbar, 2010) may underlie these effects as endor phins have been implicated in social bonding (Dunbar & Shultz, 2010). Although research on synchronous behavior has noted that there are 2 dominant phases of synchrony-in-phase and antiphase synchrony (Marsh, Richardson, Baron, & Schmidt, 2006), research on the effect of synchrony on endorphins has only incorporated in-phase synchrony. The current study examined whether both phases of synchrony would generate the synchrony effect. Twenty-two participants rowed under 3 counter balanced conditions-alone, in-phase synchrony and antiphase synchrony. Endorphin release, as measured by pain threshold, was assessed before and after each session. Change in pain threshold during the in-phase synchrony session was significantly higher than either of the other 2 conditions. These results suggest that the synchrony effect may be specific to just in-phase synchrony, and that social presence is not a viable explanation for the effect of synchrony on pain threshold.

Music and social bonding: “self-other” merging and neurohormonal mechanisms

“…Specifically, synchronized exertive activity (such as rowing) elevates pain thresholds significantly more than non-synchronized exertion (Sullivan and Rickers, 2013; Sullivan et al, 2014), suggesting that rhythmic, music-based activities may similarly facilitate endorphin release.…”

‘Naltrexone Blocks Endorphins Released when Dancing in Synchrony’

“…Prior to taking their pill, participants' ischemic pain threshold was measured by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the participant's non-dominant upper arm. Participants indicated when the pressure became uncomfortable, and the research assistant noted the pressure sustained (mmHg), a standard procedure used in previous studies (Cohen et al 2010;Sullivan and Rickers 2013;Sullivan et al 2014;Tarr et al 2015Tarr et al , 2016. This measure was repeated (by the same research assistant) immediately after the silent disco.…”

“…PET or spinal fluid extractions) are costly and invasive, so pain threshold is frequently used as an indirect measure of endorphin uptake (Cohen et al 2010;Dunbar et al 2012a;Pearce et al 2015;Sullivan and Rickers 2013;Sullivan et al 2011;Sullivan et al 2014). Using this proxy measure, previous studies suggest that synchronised dance is associated with endorphin release (Tarr et al 2015.…”

Rhythm in joint action: psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms for real-time interpersonal coordination

“…Reward signals are mediated by release of dopamine and opioids [159], thus neurochemistry could influence the synchrony-affiliation links [160]. Opioids and endorphins have been implicated in social bonding, and endorphin levels (as measured by pain tolerance) appear higher after synchronous rowing (but not after antiphase joint rowing) [161,162]. A study of tango dancing varied music and social factors and found that moving with music decreased cortisol levels, whereas moving with a partner increased testosterone levels [163].…”