Keeping a comfortable distance: the role of intragroup, intergroup and cultural factors in the choice of interpersonal distance

Managing a comfortable interpersonal distance is crucial for establishing positive interpersonal relationships and promoting societal integration. However, understanding the factors underlying the choice of interpersonal distance remains a fundamental yet understudied topic in social psychology, particularly regarding the limited research on the multifaceted influence of intragroup, intergroup, and cultural factors on this choice. Accordingly, this dissertation bridges this gap by examining these factors across the following chapters. Chapter 1 presented a brief overview of the research, introducing the main goals of two empirical studies. Chapter 2 focused on intragroup dynamics, examining the impact of social identification with classmates, friends, and family on adolescents’ choice of interpersonal distance, as well as their involvement in bullying/cyberbullying behaviors. Results indicated that identification with peer groups correlated with a shorter distance from unfamiliar individuals. Moreover, high identification with family and classmates was related to reduced engagement in bullying behaviors, with family identification being linked to traditional bullying and both family and classmates identification being associated with cyberbullying. Chapter 3 concentrated on intergroup dynamics and cultural influence, addressing how Chinese and Italian adolescents’ choice of interpersonal distance was influenced by the combined effects of group membership and cultural conceptions. The findings suggested that Chinese participants preferred a longer distance with outgroup compared to ingroup members, while Italian participants maintained consistent distance regardless of group affiliation. Notably, within the Chinese sample, female participants maintained greater distance than male participants when being exposed to a male target, a trend not observed among Italians. Additionally, this study revealed that individuals increased their distance when approached by outgroup members from the back instead of the front, highlighting the interplay between group membership and direction of approach. Finally, Chapter 4 summarized and discussed these findings in light of their implications for facilitating intergroup relations and intercultural communications in contemporary societies.