Out of touch, out of reach: Tactile predispositions as predictors of interpersonal distance

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Abstract
The effects of touch avoidance, a person's general predisposition to approach or avoid tactile communication, on interpersonal distance was examined through four hypotheses. Two of the four hypotheses, both involving interpersonal distance from female confederates, were confirmed. Additionally, die combined effects of touch avoidance, receiver apprehension, and physical attraction on interpersonal distance were examined in a series of multiple regression models. The models accounted for 27–99% of the variance in interpersonal distance. The study demonstrates that communication predispositions are reasonably good predictors of interpersonal behavior. Additionally, the study suggests that attitudes toward communication, and particularly touch, determine the spatial intimacy of communication encounters.