Synchrony and Reciprocity of Body Movements and Prosody Between Psychotherapist and Patient

Study on the Synchrony and Reciprocity of Bodily Movements and Prosody Between Psychotherapist and Patient During Psychotherapy

Modern psychotherapy focuses on co-regulation, where therapist and patient interactively manage emotions. This co-regulation is seen in nonverbal communication like facial expressions, gestures, and prosody (vocal pitchs). Studies show body movements and even skin conductance synchronize between patients and therapists during sessions.

The RECiPROsody project builds on this by using technology (cameras, sensors) to record and analyze these synchronies in psychotherapy sessions. This project aims to understand how this "attunement" between therapist and patient contributes to successful therapy.

Researchers will explore how patients and therapists interact using a mobile app that records video, audio, physiological signals (heart rate), and movements. Questionnaires will assess patient well-being and therapist experience.

By studying these micro-processes, RECiPROsody hopes to gain insights into how the therapeutic relationship develops, including the connections between physical reactions, nonverbal communication, and overall progress. This knowledge can improve psychotherapeutic techniques and highlight the importance of the nonverbal communication in therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female adults between the ages of 20 and 60 years old who are referred to the HCC Italy Clinical and Psychotherapy Research Center

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under 20 years of age
• Presence of paranoid or psychotic symptoms
• Admissions to psychiatric Operative Units that have occurred within the last year since the start of psychotherapy at the HCC Italy Clinical and Psychotherapy Research Center