These findings are based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioural responses, collected from male and female volunteers who watched and rated animated videos of non-verbal guest-host interactions in a business setting.
The results, for the first time, give a scientific underpinning to long-held beliefs about the important role a handshake plays in social or business interactions.
Dolcos added that it's not just any handshake that leads to positive feelings, but a particular way of shaking hands, such as a firm, confident, yet friendly handshake, as is often promoted as good business practice.
“In a business setting this is what people are expecting and those who know these things use them. Not a very long time ago you could get a loan based on a handshake. So it conveys something very important, very basic,” said Dolcos.
