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Smaller preferred interpersonal distance for joint versus parallel action
Laura Schmitz1,2, Arran T Reader3
1Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Plos One
|May 2, 2023
Summary
People prefer closer interpersonal distances during joint actions compared to parallel actions. Infection concerns, especially during COVID-19, also increase preferred interpersonal distance.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Human Behavior
- Proxemics
Background:
- Humans maintain preferred interpersonal distances (IPD) during social interactions.
- IPD is influenced by social context, but the impact of action type is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how joint actions versus parallel actions affect preferred IPD.
- To examine the influence of general infection concerns and COVID-19 awareness on IPD.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments (N=423) presented participants with social scenarios involving joint or parallel actions with a stranger.
- Participants indicated their preferred interpersonal distance (IPD) using a visual scale.
- Self-reported infection discomfort and COVID-19 awareness were assessed.
Main Results:
- A shorter preferred IPD was observed for joint actions compared to parallel actions.
- Higher general discomfort with pathogen contact and greater COVID-19 awareness correlated with a larger preferred IPD.
- Social interaction type significantly shapes interpersonal distance preferences.
Conclusions:
- The type of social interaction (joint vs. parallel) modulates preferred interpersonal distance.
- Health concerns, particularly during pandemics, can lead to increased interpersonal distancing.
- Findings contribute to understanding the dynamic nature of interpersonal distance in social contexts.
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