The Chameleon Effect: The Relationship Between Imitation and Interdependence

Abstract

Most chameleon effect studies focus on the relationship between mimicry of nonverbal behaviors and rapport during interactions. However, verbal behaviours and the role of self-construals should be studied. We investigated mimicry of verbal and nonverbal behaviours and interdependence in explaining the relationship between mimicry and rapport. We hypothesized no differences in the magnitude of verbal and nonverbal mimicry and that interdependence was a mediator of mimicry and rapport. Using interdependence self-reports, participants’ level of mimicry (the difference between the monologue and the dialogue), and a rapport questionnaire regarding their interaction with the confederate, significant differences between the monologue and the dialogue emerged. There were no statistically significant results for the association between imitation and rapport. A significant association between interdependence and rapport was obtained. The findings suggest a revision to the chameleon effect, an expansion to the type of imitated behaviours and aid in fostering and understanding social interactions.