Student researchers at Elon University are delving into the complexities of romantic relationships, focusing on the critical role of authenticity in ensuring long-term success. The team is exploring how body cues can indicate genuine behavior in romantic partners.
According to student researcher Sophie Verrecchia, a rising junior majoring in psychology, body cues can act as ways to determine whether a significant other is being their most authentic self.
“Your body kind of betrays your mind sometimes,” Verrecchia said. “And I think that especially when you’re having these kinds of tricky conversations with your significant other, they might be saying one thing, but the mouth can lie.”
This research comes at a crucial time, with the rise of online dating increasing the potential for inauthentic interactions. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that by 2017 39% of newly formed couples had met through online dating apps.
And numerous studies highlight the connection between authenticity and successful relationships. With dating apps, individuals often feel pressured to present an idealized version of themselves. In a Pew Research Center survey, 71% of online daters think it is common for users to lie to make themselves more desirable.
“When you love somebody, you’re supposed to love them for who they are and not who they portray themselves as,” said Bria Wurst, rising senior majoring in public health studies, another student researcher on the team.
The Elon researchers are identifying specific body cues that can help determine authenticity in romantic interactions. The work focuses on the congruence between a person’s words and non-verbal behaviors.
“For example, if you’re having a bad day, pretending that you’re having a good day is inauthentic,” Verrecchia said.
This incongruence can be a red flag in relationships, indicating that a partner might not be their true self.
The Elon team hopes to break new ground with its research, by providing valuable insights for individuals navigating the complexities of love in the digital age.
“It’s nice to know that we’re filling a gap in the literature,” Verrecchia said. “It makes it hard, but it also makes it cool because this is the first time such a comprehensive study is being done.”
Izel Perez
Izel Perez is a first generation Mexican-American born and raised in Philadelphia. He is a junior at Julia R Masterman. He has very strong ties to his Mexican heritage, which has inspired him to become the vice president of HOLA, the Hispanic Latino society at his school. Izel is passionate about sports, and he began playing soccer with his dad at the age of 3. Currently, he is a varsity athlete in both lacrosse and soccer. Outside athletics, he attended the Wharton Sports Business Academy last summer and competed in the Wharton Data Analytics Competition. He has also done volunteer work to better multiple communities by being a majority inspector for the Democratic primary election polls and by going on a service trip last summer to help rebuild local soccer fields in Turrialba, Costa Rica. Now, Izel is an intern at Immortal Vision Studios located in Kensington, Philadelphia, where he manages the organization’s social media content, helped create its email marketing campaigns and assisted with photography.
Emma Perman
Emma Perman was born and raised in Pittsburgh. She is a junior at PA Cyber Charter School with dual enrollment. Emma has written for her school paper, The PA Cyber Press, since freshman year, has written poetry and will be launching her own blog in the fall. Outside of writing, she has earned her Girl Scout Gold Award and is working on her Eagle Project. Her other extracurriculars include the National Honor Society, Global Education Club, Youth Ambassadors Club, Environmental Club and Musical Theater Club. Emma also has an extensive resume in the performing arts and works on the creative team with Youth Shakespeare Society of Pittsburgh. She advocates for children and students alike as a representative for Pennsylvania with the Moose Youth Awareness Program. Emma is ecstatic to learn more about journalism as a possible career path.
Keanu Frazier
Keanu Frazier was born and raised in Naperville, Illinois, where he is a junior at Neuqua Valley High School. He has participated in extracurricular activities, such as Neuqua Eco Club, Interact Club, Star Raiders Club, volleyball teams and volunteer activities in the community. Additionally, he has always had a passion for storytelling, which began in acting through Paramount School of the Arts and other local theatre programs. His desire to use his voice has allowed him to branch out into marketing and communications. As such, Keanu holds a social media marketing certification and will be a part of the yearbook club his senior year. He is looking forward to pursuing his collegiate education in marketing and communications.