Table_1_Exploring Physiological Linkage in Same-Sex Male Couples.docx

We explore physiological linkage (i.e., covariation of physiological channels between interacting partners; PL) among 34 same-sex male couples. Interbeat interval, an indicator of cardiovascular arousal, was collected across four conversational contexts in the lab: (1) a baseline period that did not involve conversation, (2) a conversation about body image, (3) a conversation about health goals, and (4) a recovery period that allowed for unstructured conversation. We used a newly developed R statistical package (i.e., rties; Butler and Barnard, 2019) that simplifies the use of dynamic models for investigating interpersonal emotional processes. We identified two different PL patterns: (1) a simple one that was characterized by stable synchronization and low frequency of oscillation; and (2) a complex one that was characterized by drifting synchronization, high frequency of oscillation, and eventual damping. Guided by social baseline theory and the reactive flexibility perspective, we explored the interactions between couple relationship functioning (i.e., love, conflict, commitment, sexual satisfaction, and relationship length) and conversational context as predictors of the PL patterns. The results suggest that partners in well-functioning relationships and emotionally challenging situations may be especially likely to show complex PL patterns that may reflect (or support) coregulatory processes.

本研究探究了34对同性男性伴侣间的生理联动（physiological linkage，以下简称PL）——即互动双方生理通道的协变关系。本研究以心跳间期（Interbeat interval）作为心血管唤醒的指标，在实验室的四类对话场景中采集数据：其一为无对话的基线期，其二为关于身体意象的对话场景，其三为关于健康目标的对话场景，其四为允许非结构化对话的恢复期。本研究采用了一款全新开发的R统计包（rties；Butler与Barnard，2019），该工具简化了用于探究人际情绪过程的动态模型的应用流程。研究识别出两类不同的PL模式：一类为简单模式，以稳定同步与低振荡频率为特征；另一类为复杂模式，以同步漂移、高振荡频率及最终阻尼为特征。基于社会基线理论（social baseline theory）与反应性灵活性视角，本研究探究了伴侣关系功能（涵盖爱意、冲突程度、承诺水平、性满意度与恋爱时长）与对话场景作为PL模式预测因子的交互作用。研究结果表明，关系状态良好的伴侣与处于情绪挑战性场景中的个体，更易呈现出复杂的PL模式，这类模式或可反映（或支撑）共同调节过程。