A comparison of interpersonal distancing behavior in young and elderly adults.

Differences in cortical activation (arousal), age, and race were used to test several hypotheses on interpersonal distancing behaviors which have implications for intergenerational and cross-cultural interaction. The investigation centered on the relationship of sensory deficits in the elderly to their use of personal space in peer interactions. A comparison of young, white female college students and elderly white females indicated no significant differences in arousal level, but the younger adults used significantly closer distancing behaviors with their peers. However, a similar comparison of elderly white and black females revealed no differences in either arousal level or interpersonal distancing. The findings suggest that interpersonal distancing behaviors may be less influenced by the need for cortical stimulation than by the prevalence of cultural norms. It also suggests that the proxemic behavior of adult college students may be more adolescent than adult in its personal space scheme.