Invasions of personal space fire certain neurons in your brain. You have to shrink up your personal space for intimate contact. Your neurons rev up if you feel your personal space is threatened. Personal space boundaries are always in flux.
Those in power tend to have closer boundaries. This is why the boss doesn’t mind leaning in to explain things. The folks lower on the power hierarchy usually want more space. Cyberspace has changed the boundaries.
We also wrap personal space around our belongings. You don’t want someone driving too close to your car or touching your purse without invitation.
Perceptive or neurological disorders can confuse perception of personal space. Dyspraxia can affect motor skills from confusion about one’s personal space.
Listen as Dr. Michael Graziano joins Dr. Pamela Peeke to discuss how personal space works.
Michael S. A. Graziano, PhD, is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Princeton University.