Individuals with higher autistic traits synchronize less when walking with strangers

Abstract

Numerous studies indicated interpersonal body synchrony could be affected by psychological factors, such as group membership, punctuality, and etc. However, whether implicit body entrainment is predisposed by permanent traits is still little investigated. The current research associates walking synchrony with autistic personality. We simulated the situation when people first meet. Participants unknown to each other were paired up to walk and chat under a pleasant natural environment, while their walking steps were recorded by motor sensors attached above ankle. Importantly, participants were misled that the sensors were GPS device, which assured unawareness of motor recording so that the entrainment was completely implicit. Before walking, autistic trait was assessed by Autism Spectrum Quotient questionnaire (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001). Results suggested that dyads with higher AQ synchronized less. Further analysis from AQ subscales indicated that only social skills, attentional switching, and imagination were involved in utilizing body entrainment during social interaction, but not attention to details and communication skills. Our study suggests that individuals’ autistic tendency predisposed their body coordination with others, and possible mechanisms from conceptual, perceptual, and mortorical levels are discussed.