An Unobtrusive Apparatus for Measuring Interpersonal Distances
- 6 July 1982
- journal article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in The Journal of General Psychology
- Vol. 107 (1) , 85-90
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00221309.1982.9709910
Abstract
A relatively unobtrusive apparatus, the Interpersonal Distance Mat (IDM), is described as a means of acquiring immediate and accurate measures of interpersonal distances. Two brief experiments tested the sensitivity of the apparatus to gender differences in preferred interpersonal distance. Results from 78 male and 93 female American college students indicate that female/female dyads selected closer interaction distances than male/male dyads, but that freedom of movement may be a necessary factor in this relationship.Keywords
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