The Positive Feedback Loop of Empathy and Interpersonal Synchronisation: Discussing a Theoretical Model and its Implications for Musical and Social Development

Abstract

The positive prosocial outcomes deriving from interpersonal synchronisation, as well as the contribution of social skills in attaining synchronisation with others in musical group interactions, are commonly explored independently, overlooking the possibility of a simultaneous bidirectional relationship between musical and social behaviour. This article focuses on the relationship between empathy and interpersonal synchronisation, critically reviewing each directionality of this intriguing link, namely, how empathy contributes to the socio-cognitive skills required to achieve synchronisation with others, and how this synchronised interaction lays the groundwork for the development of empathy. Following this review and building upon relevant research in music and social psychology, a theoretical framework is proposed, arguing that during a musical group interaction, empathy and interpersonal synchronisation create a positive feedback loop, enhancing one another in a reciprocal and simultaneous manner. The circumstances that encourage or obstruct this feedback loop, as well as its significant implications, are discussed. Finally, the present work highlights the importance of switching the research focus from unilateral to bidirectional relationships in order to gain a deeper understanding of the interrelation between musical and social behaviour.