From justification to discovery: a conditional testing approach to unorthodox forms of interpersonal interaction

We tested the claim that individuals can interact without deploying orthodox means of communication. A conditional testing approach (CTA) was applied. In four experiments, 11–15 pairs each were physically isolated and one person (‘agent’) tried to mentally influence another person (‘receiver’). Indicators of autonomic arousal of the receiver (EDA, respiration) were recorded. Each experiment consisted of a specific stress inducing instruction (failure-avoiding vs. reinforcing) and a specific type of self-regulation related personality trait (action vs. state orientation). Significant effects were observed for two experiments. Experimental success was negatively correlated with self-regulatory mechanisms. This finding was furthermore supported when various personality functions derived from Personality Systems Interaction theory were tested. They suggest that a low-level personality system, whose main function serves interpersonal interaction, is indicative of the effect.