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The anisotropy of personal space
Robin Welsch1, Christoph von Castell1, Heiko Hecht1
1Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Plos One
|June 5, 2019
Summary
Personal space violations cause discomfort, but the relationship isn't symmetrical. Discomfort increases sharply when someone enters personal space, but less so when they are too far away, showing personal space is anisotropic.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Spatial Cognition
Background:
- Personal space violations are linked to discomfort.
- The precise relationship between interpersonal distance and discomfort magnitude is not well-defined.
- Previous research has explored intrusions into personal space.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if interpersonal distance and discomfort are isotropic or anisotropic.
- To quantify the relationship between personal space and experienced discomfort.
- To extend findings on personal space intrusions and maintenance of distances.
Main Methods:
- Subjects rated discomfort at 15 interpersonal distances (40-250 cm).
- Discomfort was measured using verbal and joystick-based ratings.
- The study examined responses to both entering and exceeding personal space.
Main Results:
- Discomfort increased immediately upon entering personal space.
- The gradient of discomfort was less steep for distances beyond the personal space comfort zone.
- Personal space was found to be anisotropic concerning experienced discomfort.
Conclusions:
- Personal space exhibits anisotropic properties regarding discomfort.
- The magnitude of discomfort is not symmetrical for close versus far distances.
- Understanding personal space anisotropy is crucial for human-environment interaction.
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