Effects of Eye Contact on Connectedness Between Adolescents and Their Parents: Exploring Individual Variation Across the Autism Spectrum in Healthy Adolescents

Eye contact is crucial for interpersonal communication and bonding between humans. In adults, eye contact can improve feelings of connectedness to and liking for another person, as well as mood. The present study examined whether eye contact could improve connectedness to and liking for other people in adolescents. Additionally, the influence of perceived levels of closeness (to parents, unknown adults and unknown adolescents) and inter-individual variation in autism spectrum symptoms was assessed. Participants (n = 61; 26.1% female) watched videos of themselves, an unknown adolescent, a parent, or an unknown adult of similar age as their parent either holding eye contact or averting their gaze. After each video, participants reported on their subjective feelings of connectedness to and liking for the person in the video, and their mood. Eye contact significantly improved all three aspects: connectedness, liking and mood. Participants felt most connected to their parents, liked them...Show moreEye contact is crucial for interpersonal communication and bonding between humans. In adults, eye contact can improve feelings of connectedness to and liking for another person, as well as mood. The present study examined whether eye contact could improve connectedness to and liking for other people in adolescents. Additionally, the influence of perceived levels of closeness (to parents, unknown adults and unknown adolescents) and inter-individual variation in autism spectrum symptoms was assessed. Participants (n = 61; 26.1% female) watched videos of themselves, an unknown adolescent, a parent, or an unknown adult of similar age as their parent either holding eye contact or averting their gaze. After each video, participants reported on their subjective feelings of connectedness to and liking for the person in the video, and their mood. Eye contact significantly improved all three aspects: connectedness, liking and mood. Participants felt most connected to their parents, liked them more and were in a better mood after looking at them, compared to unknown adolescents or adults. There was no evidence for the moderation of subclinical autism spectrum traits on the relationship between eye contact, connectedness, liking and mood. These findings highlight the importance of eye contact for connectedness to and liking for another person, as well as mood. They, therefore, have implications for interpersonal relationships and mental health. The present study points to a therapeutic potential of interventions enhancing eye contact: increased eye contact may contribute to an improved parent-child relationship, which is associated with better mental health.Show less

Leiden University Student Repository

Documents

In Collections

Effects of Eye Contact on Connectedness Between Adolescents and Their Parents: Exploring Individual Variation Across the Autism Spectrum in Healthy Adolescents