Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


personal space

an area of defended space around an individual. Personal space differs from other types of defended space (e.g., territory) by being a surrounding “bubble” that moves with the individual (see bubble concept of personal space). It may have been used by various species throughout evolutionary history to protect the individual organism against intraspecies aggression and threats to personal autonomy. Because human use of personal space varies among cultures, it is a learned behavior, at least in part. See proxemics.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

January 21st 2025

vivisection

vivisection

n. dissection performed on a living animal for research or experimental purposes. Many scientists and researchers oppose the practice, questioning its scientific validity and necessity, and numerous others criticize it as inhumane and unethical. See also animal care and use; animal rights.