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The chameleon effect as social glue: Evidence for the evolutionary significance of nonconscious mimicry

Publication ,  Journal Article
Lakin, JL; Jefferis, VE; Cheng, CM; Chartrand, TL
Published in: Journal of Nonverbal Behavior
September 1, 2003

The "chameleon effect" refers to the tendency to adopt the postures, gestures, and mannerisms of interaction partners (Chartrand & Bargh, 1999). This type of mimicry occurs outside of conscious awareness, and without any intent to mimic or imitate. Empirical evidence suggests a bi-directional relationship between nonconscious mimicry on the one hand, and liking, rapport, and affiliation on the other. That is, nonconscious mimicry creates affiliation, and affiliation can be expressed through nonconscious mimicry. We argue that mimicry played an important role in human evolution. Initially, mimicry may have had survival value by helping humans communicate. We propose that the purpose of mimicry has now evolved to serve a social function. Nonconscious behavioral mimicry increases affiliation, which serves to foster relationships with others. We review current research in light of this proposed framework and suggest future areas of research.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

Journal of Nonverbal Behavior

DOI

ISSN

0191-5886

Publication Date

September 1, 2003

Volume

27

Issue

3

Start / End Page

145 / 162

Related Subject Headings

  • Social Psychology
  • 5205 Social and personality psychology
  • 5204 Cognitive and computational psychology
  • 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
  • 1702 Cognitive Sciences
  • 1701 Psychology
 

Citation

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Lakin, J. L., Jefferis, V. E., Cheng, C. M., & Chartrand, T. L. (2003). The chameleon effect as social glue: Evidence for the evolutionary significance of nonconscious mimicry. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 27(3), 145–162. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025389814290
Lakin, J. L., V. E. Jefferis, C. M. Cheng, and T. L. Chartrand. “The chameleon effect as social glue: Evidence for the evolutionary significance of nonconscious mimicry.” Journal of Nonverbal Behavior 27, no. 3 (September 1, 2003): 145–62. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025389814290.
Lakin JL, Jefferis VE, Cheng CM, Chartrand TL. The chameleon effect as social glue: Evidence for the evolutionary significance of nonconscious mimicry. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. 2003 Sep 1;27(3):145–62.
Lakin, J. L., et al. “The chameleon effect as social glue: Evidence for the evolutionary significance of nonconscious mimicry.” Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, vol. 27, no. 3, Sept. 2003, pp. 145–62. Scopus, doi:10.1023/A:1025389814290.
Lakin JL, Jefferis VE, Cheng CM, Chartrand TL. The chameleon effect as social glue: Evidence for the evolutionary significance of nonconscious mimicry. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. 2003 Sep 1;27(3):145–162.
Journal cover image

Published In

Journal of Nonverbal Behavior

DOI

ISSN

0191-5886

Publication Date

September 1, 2003

Volume

27

Issue

3

Start / End Page

145 / 162

Related Subject Headings

  • Social Psychology
  • 5205 Social and personality psychology
  • 5204 Cognitive and computational psychology
  • 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
  • 1702 Cognitive Sciences
  • 1701 Psychology