Interpersonal Spacing in Natural Settings

Observations were made of the interpersonal spacing of 859 subject pairs in several natural settings at various times over a two-month period. Subjects were classified according to Anglo-, Black-, or Mexican-American ethnic group; adult, adolescent, or child age level; male-male, female-female, or male-female sex combination; and indoor or outdoor observation setting. Ratings of interpersonal distance were made from an unobtrusive location in each setting. Results confirmed expectations of ethnic, age, and sex group patterns in spacing and also revealed an interesting location difference. Implications of the findings in areas of interpersonal dynamics and environmental design are discussed.