How Things Take Up Space: A Grounded Theory of Presence and Lived Space

Abstract

Philosophical and qualitative studies of presence emphasize its spatial nature. The aim of this study is to investigate lived space – that is, space as it appears in experience – in alterations of presence. A transdiagnostic approach was undertaken. Rather than focusing on a single type of alteration, a variety of different contexts are considered to accentuate similarities and differences in the experience of presence. Subjective reports were gathered. Inductive-deductive coding was used to analyze the interview transcripts. Presence is conceptualized as an interplay between solidities (relatively dense space that precludes physical interactions) and permeances (relatively transient space). It is demonstrated how this interplay changes in altered experiences of presence.