interpersonal distance

the physical distance that individuals choose to maintain between themselves and others while interacting. Studies show that most individuals maintain a smaller interpersonal distance for friends than for strangers. The comfortable or optimal distance also varies with the type of interaction and setting as well as with differences in nationality, culture, personality, and other characteristics. See body buffer zone; bubble concept of personal space. See also proxemics.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

pseudomemory

n. a fake memory, such as a spurious recollection of events that never took place, as opposed to a memory that is merely inaccurate. Pseudomemory is a cause of particular concern when using hypnosis to help eyewitnesses retrieve memories (see hypermnesia). It was formerly called pseudomnesia. See also confabulation; false memory; recovered memory.