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.

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Apr 13th, 11:00 AM Apr 13th, 12:00 PM

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.