Personal space according to Hall (1966) is the small circle with the individual at the center and a

culturally determined radius. Simplified, it is the area that encompasses us and allows maintaining a
certain bit of comfort. It is said to be elliptical not circular because we can tolerate people beside us not
in front of or behind us. Permeability refers to the degree of reaction to intrusion in one’s personal
space. The study of personal space is known as PROXEMICS and was founded by E.T. Hall.

Also, Hall identified four categories of personal space to be

1) Intimate distance (0-10-18 inches)- intimate or socially acceptable situations

2) Personal distance(18 inches – 4 feet)- close friends
3) Social distance (4 feet- 12 feet)- business partners, strangers e.t.c.
4) Business distance ( from 12 feet)- formal occasions such as distance between speaker and
audience, public and important person and so on.

Regardless, in view of the corona virus pandemic, it is crucial to practice the act of personal
space. By that means minimal infection rate would be achieved. To achieve this, we have to
practice Hall’s 3rd category of personal space which is social distance of 4 feet-12 feet. By that,
we could keep the infectious air-borne disease at bay. Business distance of 12 feet can be
considered too. Personal space is implicated in the prevention of this virus because that’s part of
its purpose. Personal space protects us against perceived or real threats part of which is the
corona virus. By maintaining personal space, we could help minimize contact.
 Udoye Marycynthia Chinaza

U17/mss/psy/091

M.S.S

Psychology

300 level

Enviromental Psychology

Psy386

Explain the concept of personal space and it’s implication

in the spread of the current corona virus pandemic.

29/06/2020