Personal space claims as a function of interpersonal threat: The mediating role of need for control

Previous research suggests that the concept of control is central to understanding spatial regulation. Similarly, control motivation appears to underlie the individual difference variable of Type A behavior. Based on this commonality it was hypothesized that Type A behavior would mediate spatial claims in response to situational threat. Results confirmed this hypothesis. Type A's claimed larger spaces overall, and more space in front of the body in response to threat, than Type B's. Differential results for size and shape of personal space suggest the multidimensional nature of spatial regulation.