Body-image, personal space, and self-esteem: a field study

In an earlier study, the author reported changes in body boundary perception and interaction distance resulting from the experimental manipulation of self-esteem. The present study attempted to replicate these laboratory findings in a field setting. The test battery included a self-esteem questionnaire and was administered to Army recruits before and after participation in a leadership training course. Results showed that while self-esteem had been modified predictably by performance, interaction distance was only partially affected, and the boundary indices remained unchanged. Results were discussed in relation to immediacy effects on the evaluation of competence, and their implications for field as compared to laboratory research.