Visual Interaction at Extended Distances

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Abstract
Male and female visual orientation levels while speak ing and while listening were examined at interpersonal distances above those typically chosen for conversation to test an equili brium theory of social intimacy. Results indicated that while an upper distance boundary for female visual responsiveness is reached between 7' and 9.5', predictions from an equilibrium theory still hold for males as an upper boundary for male responsiveness (a de crease in looking) had not been reached by 14.5'. Further, while males increased their looking while they spoke at these large dis tances, females decreased their level of visual regard over the course of the conversation. This result reinforces the interpre tation that the extended distances used lack the appropriate re inforcement value for women and hence lead to their greater with drawal from interaction.