Dataset for: Controlled Spontaneity: Nonverbal Assessment of Interpersonal Dynamics Unfolding Within an Interactive Dyadic Paradigm

Despite its clinical and theoretical significance, the empirical operationalization of interpersonal dynamics remains challenging. The interactive and dyadic MovES paradigm captures the spontaneous unfolding of interpersonal experience and behavior within a game-like environment through agentic and affiliative interactions with virtual co-players. By providing a setting with low prior structuring, the paradigm allows interpersonal patterns to emerge during ongoing interactions. The goal of this study is twofold: (1) to evaluate an extended version of the paradigm, and (2) to explore the association of interindividual differences in interpersonal experience and behavior within the paradigm and self-reported interpersonal problems in real-life interactions. In a non-clinical sample (N = 93), the elements of the paradigm were largely experienced and used as intended, according to our preregistered hypotheses (experience as intended, ranging from 75% to 88%, mean Cohen’s d = 0.77). Exploratory regression analyses showed that subjective experience within the paradigm was associated with interpersonal problems related to agency and communion as well as general interpersonal difficulties. These findings support the extended MovES paradigm as a feasible nonverbal approach for capturing implicit interpersonal dynamics and suggest its potential value for the empirical investigation of interpersonal patterns and transference phenomena in psychodynamic research and practice.