Personal Space

Question 1

What is Personal Space?

Answer 1

• Personal space refers to the invisible boundaries surrounding a person’s body, defining the area into which others may not intrude.
• It regulates the proximity at which individuals interact with others.
• Personal space is dynamic and moves with individuals, expanding or contracting based on the situation or context.

Question 2

Functions of Personal Space

Answer 2

• Protective function: serves as a buffer against potential emotional and physical threats
• Adjusting sensory input: regulate the amount of sensory information we get from others
• Communication function: level of closeness and intimacy that we desire with another

Question 3

Zones of Personal Space

Intimate Distance

Answer 3

• 0-18”
• Head and face are all that is seen
• Can get additional sensory signals
• Example: For comforting, protecting, lovemaking, wrestling, or other full-contact activities

Question 4

Zones of Personal Space

Personal Distance

Answer 4

• 18”- 4 ft
• Sensory cues begin to fade here
• More aware of persons body rather than just the face
• Touching is still possible
• Common distance for casual conversation between friends

Question 5

Zones of Personal Space

Social Distance

Answer 5

• Interaction between unacquainted individuals
• 4 ft - 12 ft
• Closer distance (4 -7 ft) used by people who work together/informal business
• Longer distance (7-12 ft) requires raising the voice to more formal business and social interaction

Question 6

Zones of Personal Space

Public Distance

Answer 6

• 12 - 25ft +
• Very formal
• Evasive or defensive action can easily be taken
• Used with strangers
• Deference when approaching important public figures, far phase (25 ft- 7m)