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The experience of personal space: Perception of interpersonal distance

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Abstract

The experience of personal space was studied by comparing objective interpersonal distance with subjects' perception of interpersonal distance. Regardless of sex, several personality traits, and objective size of personal space, perceived personal space is larger than objective personal space. Yet in non-personal space situations, subjects did not overestimate distance. In personal space situations, individuals apparently believe they are farther from other people than they actually are.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, P. O. Box 1700, V8W 2Y2, Victoria, B.C.

    Robert Gifford

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  1. Robert Gifford
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Additional information

The assistance of Charles Lemery, Helen Avery, The University of Victoria and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research of Canada is gratefully acknowledged.

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Gifford, R. The experience of personal space: Perception of interpersonal distance. J Nonverbal Behav 7, 170–178 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986947

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986947

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