Event Title
Distance Embodied: Connections between Psychological and Physical Distance
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Psychology
Mentor Information
Kristy Dean, deankr@gvsu.edu
Department
Psychology
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 58
Start Date
13-4-2011 11:00 AM
End Date
13-4-2011 12:00 PM
Keywords
Social Science
Abstract
Theories of embodied cognition emphasize that sensory experiences aid in our understanding of abstract concepts. For example, spatial distance has been found to predict feelings of psychological distance. Past research suggests that cues of spatial closeness/distance increase feelings of psychological closeness/distance – that is, the feeling of emotional attachment felt between the self and close others. The current study examined perceptions of physical and psychological closeness between individuals and their best friends from high school, a tenuous relationship for freshmen. We hypothesized that feelings of psychological closeness to one's best friend will predict perception of physical closeness between them. Participants responded to a series of questionnaires assessing psychological closeness between their best friend and themselves, as well as a measure of physical closeness. Results indicate that greater psychological closeness inferred perceived physical closeness.
Distance Embodied: Connections between Psychological and Physical Distance
Henry Hall Atrium 58
Theories of embodied cognition emphasize that sensory experiences aid in our understanding of abstract concepts. For example, spatial distance has been found to predict feelings of psychological distance. Past research suggests that cues of spatial closeness/distance increase feelings of psychological closeness/distance – that is, the feeling of emotional attachment felt between the self and close others. The current study examined perceptions of physical and psychological closeness between individuals and their best friends from high school, a tenuous relationship for freshmen. We hypothesized that feelings of psychological closeness to one's best friend will predict perception of physical closeness between them. Participants responded to a series of questionnaires assessing psychological closeness between their best friend and themselves, as well as a measure of physical closeness. Results indicate that greater psychological closeness inferred perceived physical closeness.