The main objective is to examine the bio-behavioral underpinnings of social disconnection, leveraging an experimental approach based on the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC). Several new experimental paradigms will be employed in this work package. The role of bio-behavioral synchrony will be experimentally verified in part of the research.

The research methods used can be divided into multiple areas:

•   At the biological level, we will focus on neuroendocrine regulation (cortisol, testosterone, and oxytocin from salivary samples) and the autonomic nervous system (skin conductance, heart rate);

•   EEG will be used to monitor the neural level;

•   The behavioral level will be examined using eye tracking and behavior coding.

Part of the project involves the construction of a modern laboratory at the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University.