Personal space invasions: What happens when the invader asks permission?

Male or female college students seated outdoors and alone on a university campus were approached by a same-sexed invader who sat 9 inches or 18 inches away. The invader asked permission before sitting down or said nothing. An unobtrusive observer recorded (1) the amount of time before subjects left and (2) the presence of compensatory reactions (moving away, interposing barriers, orienting away, leaning away, or leaning forward). Results showed that males left more quickly with silent invaders; females tended to leave more quickly if permission was asked. Compensation was greatest among closely invaded subjects who remained in their seats longest (males who were asked; females who were not asked). These findings agree with equilibrium theory. They have implications for the concept of personal space.This paper was presented at the 1976 conference of the American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C.The authors would like to thank Andy Derryberry, Cheryl Haley, Jeffrey Lewis, and Patricia Seipp for acting as invaders.