# The absence of one’s intimate partner promotes dyadic competition through enhanced interbrain synchronization between opponents

## TL;DR

This study shows that when women compete, they synchronize their brain activity more with same-gender opponents when their romantic partner is not present.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel use of EEG hyperscanning to explore how romantic relationships influence competitive brain synchronization.

## Key findings

- Increased Theta and Alpha band brain synchronization occurs during female competition when partners are absent.
- Interbrain synchronization is strongest with same-gender competitors when partners are not present.
- Intimate relationships influence early alertness and late cognitive mechanisms in competitive contexts.

## Abstract

Competition is a common occurrence in life, but the influence of intimate relationships on people’s competitiveness remains unknown. Grounded in Darwin’s theory of sexual selection, this study utilized EEG hyperscanning technology to investigate the influence of the presence of romantic partners and the gender of competitors on the interbrain synchronization of female individuals during competitive contexts. The research results showed that in competitive interactions, there was a significant increase in Theta and Alpha frequency band activity between females and their competitors. Interbrain synchronization was strongest when their partners were not nearby and females competed with same gender competitors. The research results indicate that intimate companionship has an impact on the early alertness and late cognitive execution mechanisms of female individuals in competition, and due to intimate relationships, females pay more attention to same-gender competitors. This study demonstrates that the presence of intimate partners can affect a female’s competitive state and brain synchronization with opponents of different genders, improving the theoretical explanation of intimate relationships and competitive interactions.