Summer Fellow Caleb Roten Studies How to Improve Social Interactions

Psychology Major Examines the Connection Between Nonverbal Behavior and Emotional Intelligence 

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—In a digital society where most people communicate via text and social media, Gardner-Webb University student Caleb Roten wants to improve face-to-face communication. With a Summer Scholar Fellowship, the senior psychology major spent the second summer session on campus interviewing individuals and studying their body language and nonverbal behavior.

Summer Fellows (formerly Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars) have an opportunity to work with a faculty mentor and conduct focused research. Fellows are awarded grants for room and board on campus as they devote approximately 40 hours per week to their projects. After their research experience, they are required to present, perform or publish their project by the end of the following academic year.

Mentored by the Department of Psychological Science Chair, Dr. Iva Naydenova, Roten needed volunteers for his study, so some of his friends agreed to help. He appreciated the chance to find out more about them and develop stronger connections.

No matter who he interviewed, Roten frequently encountered a similar reaction to his first question: “What was your favorite toy growing up?” Opening this way, he helped the person feel at ease. “The best part of this experience is hearing their answers and seeing their faces light up when I asked the question,” he acknowledged. “The purpose of the question is to make it seem like a normal social interaction. I like hearing their answers and seeing how happy they are when they give the answer.”

While engaging them in conversation, Roten counted their body movements and gestures. His goal was to determine how their body language and nonverbal behavior related to emotional intelligence, which is the internal ability to understand, manage and use emotions to strengthen interactions with others.

An example Roten gave for how the research might be used is when he shares with someone about his passion for hiking, nature, and the importance of conservation. He proposed, “Can I put conservation into action at a grassroots level by talking to people and knowing how they feel based on their body language?”

Roten will use the findings from his summer research to complete his thesis on social marketing. After graduating from Gardner-Webb, he wants to pursue a Ph.D. in social psychology. “Examining the relationship between nonverbal behavior and emotional intelligence can give more understanding to what types of emotional management certain people have based on their body language usage,” he described. “This could be crucial in strengthening social interactions in everyday life and even prestigious interview processes.”

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.