by Janet Dunn

Created on: February 22, 2009   Last Updated: July 30, 2010

When we think of privacy we think of needing personal space, but actually social space is where we distance ourselves from others and stand at arm’s length.  According to anthropologist, Edward T. Hall, “proxemics” is the study of measured distances, (or space required), for us to feel safe in our personal surroundings.  He list four specific types of interactions where we automatically set up boundaries of surrounding space:  Intimate, Personal, Social, and Distance.  Beginning with intimate space the degree of separation increases gradually until it becomes the type identified as distance which requires the most space we allow ourselves.  

To some the meaning of personal space is quite different than our interactions with friends and family.  When we desire to be left alone with our own thoughts it becomes personal time or solitude.  The need for this kind of personal space is very healthy. It rejuvenates and energizes us helping us to focus and discover answers that otherwise evade us.  Time spent in solitude is good as long as it doesn’t evolve into loneliness.

Personal space is associated with our interactions with friends and family.  (We tend to allow closer physical contact with them than we do with our social neighbors).  Our personal space is a perimeter of space of about two to four feet surrounding us and will vary depending on our cultural background. When this boundary is intruded on we become anxious, angered and will involuntarily step backward.  Personal space is an area in which we feel safe; it’s our zone of protection.  

Intimate space occurs when there is a need to touch and be close to someone.

Social space is how we interact with co-workers and acquaintances.  The amount of space we need is slightly more than our personal space but less than our distance space.  Distance space is when we are in public or unfamiliar surroundings; we tend to create a much larger area around our comfort zone.

It’s important to know these spaces and to respect them.  There are some who have what is diagnosed as a narcissistic personality.  They do not recognize the need for personal space or any other need to distance themselves from others, so when our area of space is encroached upon we become very uncomfortable and irritated. When this happens it can create a feeling of ill tension causing you to go out of your way to avoid them.   

Physical closeness is not always the culprit when it comes to invading one’s space.  Loud voices, noises, and even the feeling of claustrophobia will arouse a fear of intrusion.

The need for this comfort zone is very important to the human psyche.  We are naturally social but we also value our privacy.

And just a quick generalization with all this said; our animal friends also have the same need for this comfort zone……….just ask any cat!

Sources and related readings:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxemics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_boundaries

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