The relationship between interpersonal distance preference and estimation accuracy in autism.

People naturally seek an interpersonal distance that feels comfortable, striking a balance between not being too close or too far from others until reaching a state of equilibrium. Previous studies on interpersonal distance preferences among autistic individuals have yielded inconsistent results. Some show a preference for greater distance, while others indicate a preference for shorter distances, or reveal higher variance in preferences among autistic individuals.

Perception of interpersonal distance and social distancing before and during COVID-19 pandemic.

Since COVID-19 is easily transmitted among people in close physical proximity, the focus of epidemiological policy during the COVID-19 crisis included major restrictions on interpersonal distance. However, the way in which distance restrictions affected spatial perception is unclear. In the current study, we examined interpersonal distance preferences and perceptions at three time points: pre-pandemic, early post-pandemic, and late post-pandemic.

The role of fear in hierarchical processing of fear-related stimuli.

According to a widely accepted definition, visual objects are composed of hierarchical structures classified as either global or local, depending on their location in the hierarchy. Previous research has demonstrated that fear and anxiety are associated with faster identification of local level stimuli, supporting the popular view that fear narrows attention. Nevertheless, the modulating role of fear in hierarchical processing has never been examined for stimuli that are personally relevant.

Biased distance estimation in social anxiety disorder: A new avenue for understanding avoidance behavior.

Objectives: People regulate their interpersonal space appropriately to obtain a comfortable distance for interacting with others. Socially anxious individuals are especially prone to discomfort from and fear of physical closeness, leading them to prefer a greater interpersonal distance from others. Previous studies also indicate that fear can enhance the threat-related elements of a threatening stimulus.

Biased estimations of interpersonal distance in non-clinical social anxiety.

Previous studies have indicated that socially-anxious individuals prefer to maintain a greater interpersonal distance from others, specifically from strangers. Notwithstanding, it has yet to be examined whether this preference for distance is associated with estimating the physical interpersonal distance in a distorted manner. In the current study, 100 participants performed a computerized task that measured estimated distance (Study 1).