Interpersonal Distance in the SARS-CoV-2 Crisis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Human Factors
• Sociology

Background:

• Social distancing mandates for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) require 1.5m+ interpersonal distance.
• Natural human preference for non-intimate encounters is closer to 1m.
• This discrepancy poses challenges for adherence to public health guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review human regulation of interpersonal distances.
• To highlight challenges in enforcing atypical social distancing requirements.
• To integrate insights from perception and human factors research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review integrating visual perception, social perception, and human factors.
• Analysis of research on preferred interpersonal distances.
• Hypothesizing mid- to long-term effects of norm violation.

Main Results:

• Enforcing 1.5-2m physical distance challenges established behavioral norms.
• Short-term effects of social distancing include discomfort, heightened arousal, and decreased social signaling.
• Long-term consequences of violating preferred interpersonal distances are proposed.

Conclusions:

• Mandatory social distancing of 1.5-2m presents significant behavioral challenges.
• Understanding natural interpersonal distances is key to addressing compliance issues.
• Interventions like notifications and design can promote adherence.