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Interpersonal distance as a function of situationally induced anxiety
The British Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology
|June 1, 1978
Summary
Anxiety increases interpersonal distance during conversations. This study found that individuals in an anxiety-arousing situation maintained greater physical space compared to those in low-stress conditions.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Nonverbal Communication
- Human Behavior
Background:
- Anxiety can influence social interactions and personal space.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results on anxiety's effect on affiliation needs.
- Understanding interpersonal distance is crucial for social dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of situationally induced anxiety on interpersonal distance.
- To examine how anxiety affects physical proximity in a two-person conversation.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted involving interpersonal distance measurement.
- Participants engaged in conversations under anxiety-arousing and low-stress conditions.
- Anxiety manipulation was confirmed through speech disturbance rate analysis.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in interpersonal distance was observed in the anxiety-inducing situation.
- Speech disturbance rates confirmed the success of the anxiety manipulation.
- Anxiety led to greater physical separation between conversational partners.
Conclusions:
- Situationally induced anxiety leads to increased interpersonal distance.
- Findings contribute to the understanding of anxiety's role in social behavior and affiliation.
- Anxiety may increase the need for personal space, impacting social connection.
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