Attitude Similarity, Attraction, and Physical Proximity In a Dynamic Space¹

Abstract

Previous research on physical proximity as an index of attraction based on attitude similarity has been limited to semifixed feature spaces. The present study tested the similarity‐proximity relationship in a dynamic space. Female subjects' attraction to a female confederate was manipulated by means of false attitude information. The subjects then briefly interacted with the confederate in a dynamic space. Subjects' spatial behaviors were not directly related to attitude similarity‐dissimilarity or to attraction. The implications of these findings for the generality of the similarity‐proximity relationship and for research on nonverbal communication are discussed.

Interpersonal Attraction and Relationships

“…Proximity heightens the probability of interaction (97), which tends to enhance familiarity and liking (43,269) which again may further proximity (7); continuing nearness, in tum, is fo und to promote attraction (277,306). The end result of this probabilistic process is confirmed by field studies in housing complexes.…”

Location, location, location: Close ties among older continuing care retirement community residents

“…Besides the unique characteristics of the particular CCRC, only wing proximity was identified as an important and consistent predictor of the presence of close social ties. This finding is consistent with past research conducted in CCRCs [42] as well as with research conducted in a variety of other populations [39–41]. This clearly supports the assertion that geographic proximity matters and potentially facilitates the creation of close social ties.…”

“…In line with the previous research elaborated above, we expected individuals who share similar demographic characteristics [31, 32], health characteristics [64], and/or social position indicators [65] to be more likely to form close social ties to each other. Consistent with past research [39–41], physical location characteristics, including CCRC’s institutional culture, wing proximity, floor proximity, and room proximity were examined as potential predictors of the presence of close ties (i.e., a type of homophily). It is important to note that some aspects of our hypotheses were not as grounded in past research as others, as not all variables have been previously examined in relation to the existence of social ties among older adults.…”

“…Another very consistent predictor of social ties is physical location [39–41], following the assumption that two individuals who are physically in close proximity exhibit greater geographic homophily [31]. A recent study conducted in a CCRC showed that older adults who shared the same hallway were more likely to like each other [42].…”

Effects of degree of interpersonal similarity on physical distance and self‐reported attraction: A comparison of uniqueness and reinforcement theory predictions

“…In the experimental setting, similarity has most commonly been manipulated by means of bogus attitude information about another subject, an experimental confederate, or an imseen stranger. The most popular notion, and one that is supported by a number of studies (Allgeier & Byrne, 1973;Byrne, 1971;Byrne, Baskett & Hodges, 1971;Byrne, Ervin, & Lamberth, 1970;Byrne & Nelson, 1965;Tesch, Huston, & Indenbaum, 1973), is that an individual's lildng for an otherwise unknown person will increase linearly as the similarity in their attitudes increases. Byrne (1971) explains this finding in terms of an individual's appreciation for his or her own attributes, and the notion that consensual validation is a positively reinforcing state.…”