personal space

The distances and angles of orientation that people maintain from one another as they interact. Personal space is typically measured as the distance between individuals (“interpersonal distance”). Equating personal space to an invisible “bubble” is appealing but has been criticized because it implies that personal space has one distinct boundary and exists even when people are alone. Because interpersonal cues change with increasing distances, personal spacing is one of several “boundary regulation” mechanisms that allow individuals to achieve and communicate desired levels of contact and intimacy (e.g., touch, visual, auditory, olfactory, and warmth cues vary in intensity; see nonverbal communication ). E. T. Hall described four personal space zones that reflect varying degrees of cue exchange: intimate distance (0cm–15cm); personal distance (45cm – 120cm); social distance (1.2m–3.5m); and public distance (3.5 m).