Environmental effects on affect: Density,noise and personality

Approximation of molar crowding found in urban centers was studied by using a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. The study involved the simultaneous variation of social density, spatial density, noise, and personality as they affect room affect (physical and psychological). Subjects were 88 undergraduate males pre-tested on the Rotter I-E scale. Other measures used were Marshall's Privacy Preference and Noise Tolerance scales. A scale of Perceptions of the Room was also administered. Results showed main effects of locus of control and spatial density on overall room affect. A Noise × Density interaction approached significance with respect to physical room affect. A main effect of spatial density on physical room affect was also found. Psychological room affect was influenced by spatial density. Theoretical explanations of the results are discussed in terms of dissonance theory, Altman's Social Interaction Model, and the authors' extension of the Worchel and Teddlie two-step model of crowding. It is suggested that introduction of the concept of "appropriate" or "dissonant" space might explain these results and add to our understanding of crowding.Reprint requests should be directed to Ms. Bharucha-Reid.