NCJ Number
94600
Date Published
1984
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study assesses the attributes of offenders' 'personal space,' a physical boundary or distance within which encroachments by others cause personal discomfort (Sommer, 1959, 1969).
Abstract
This research administered the proxemic test (Kinzel, 1970) and a psychometric test battery to 49 incarcerated offenders on two occasions. Offenders also were rated by staff on their interpersonal behavior, and a 3-year followup was undertaken to assess recidivism. Immediate test-retest reliabilities were extremely high in all four directions (.93 to .97), but lower over a 10-week period (.65 to .89). The 'Behind' distance was largest on both occasions. There were no changes in the four distance measures over time. An algebraic formula was devised to calculate Personal Space Area. Age was related inversely to offender's Personal Space (r= -.32, p greater than .03). Personality measures, observation ratings, and followup outcome data were related inconsistently to Personal Space Area, although there was some indication that offenders with a large personal space were less empathic, less socialized, less accepting of others, received poor evaluations, and were more likely to recidivate. The utility of personal space in the assessment of offenders is discussed. Tabular data and 61 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)