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Which term describes the physical space needed between individuals for comfort?

  1. Personal distance

  2. Social space

  3. Physical gap

  4. Comfort zone

The correct answer is: Social space

The correct term that describes the physical space needed between individuals for comfort is often referred to as "personal distance." Personal distance is a specific zone that varies by culture and context, typically ranging from about 18 inches to 4 feet between people. It serves to create a comfortable environment for social interactions, allowing individuals to feel at ease without feeling crowded or overly intimate. While "social space" can refer to larger distances for group interactions, it does not specifically address the individual comfort aspect that personal distance conveys. Terms like "physical gap" and "comfort zone" are less formalized in this context and could refer to broader concepts rather than the specific distance needed for comfortable interaction between individuals. Therefore, personal distance is the most accurate term for describing the space individuals instinctively maintain to feel comfortable during social interactions.