Come together: two studies concerning the impact of group relations on personal space

Br J Soc Psychol. 2010 Jun;49(Pt 2):223-36. doi: 10.1348/014466609X449377. Epub 2009 Jun 11.

Abstract

This paper describes two experiments investigating the impact of group relations on personal space. In Study 1, participants (N=39) in minimal groups were told that they would be interacting with another person. In line with expectations, personal space (as measured by the distance between chairs) was significantly less in the intragroup context than in the intergroup and interpersonal contexts. This finding was replicated in Study 2 (N=80) using an improved experimental design. These results are discussed in terms of developing a self-categorization account of personal space and crowding.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Crowding
  • Female
  • Group Processes*
  • Humans
  • Individuality
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Judgment
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Space*
  • Social Environment
  • Social Identification*
  • Young Adult