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The Chameleon Effect as Social Glue: Evidence for the Evolutionary Significance of Nonconscious Mimicry

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, Drew University, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ, 07940

    Jessica L. Lakin

  2. Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, USA

    Valerie E. Jefferis & Clara Michelle Cheng

  3. Duke University, USA

    Tanya L. Chartrand

Authors
  1. Jessica L. Lakin
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  2. Valerie E. Jefferis
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  3. Clara Michelle Cheng
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  4. Tanya L. Chartrand
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Correspondence to Jessica L. Lakin.

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Lakin, J.L., Jefferis, V.E., Cheng, C.M. et al. The Chameleon Effect as Social Glue: Evidence for the Evolutionary Significance of Nonconscious Mimicry. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior 27, 145–162 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025389814290

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