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Effect of A Social Stigma on Interpersonal Distance

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Abstract

The present experiment examined the effect of a social stigma (bisexuality) on interpersonal distance via a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design. The independent variables were the sex of the subject, sex of the confederate, and experimental condition (stigmatized vs. nonstigmatized). The dependent variable was the subject’s seating distance from the confederate during an interview situation. Results indicated that subjects sat closer to a non-stigmatized than a stigmatized confederate and that subjects positioned themselves closer to a female confederate than to a male confederate.

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Reference Note

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Barrios, B.A., Corbitt, L.C., Estes, J.P. et al. Effect of A Social Stigma on Interpersonal Distance. Psychol Rec 26, 343–348 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394396

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