Which concept relates to how people perceive personal space and its significance in social interactions?

Proxemics is the concept that directly pertains to how people perceive personal space and its significance in social interactions. Developed by anthropologist Edward T. Hall in the 1960s, proxemics studies the amount of space that people feel necessary to set between themselves and others. It examines the varying distances that different cultures maintain in different contexts—be it intimate, personal, social, or public settings. This understanding of spatial relationships helps to elucidate how people navigate their social interactions, communicate comfort or discomfort, express affection, and establish boundaries.

The relevance of proxemics extends to fields such as architecture, design, and urban planning, where the arrangement of spaces can greatly influence social dynamics. By ensuring that personal space is respected in various environments, designers can facilitate positive social interactions and comfort among individuals.

Conversely, public distance refers specifically to the space maintained in public settings and does not encompass the broader implications of personal space in social interactions. Anthropocentrism focuses on human beings as the central concern, while anthropomorphism relates to attributing human traits to non-human entities; neither concept addresses personal space directly.