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Differential Responses to Being Ignored: The Effects of Architectural Design and Social Density on Interpersonal Behavior 1
Author(s) -
Reichner Richard F.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
journal of applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1559-1816
pISSN - 0021-9029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1559-1816.1979.tb00792.x
Subject(s) - psychology , interpersonal communication , social psychology , suite , differential effects , interpersonal relationship , interpersonal interaction , social contact , social relation , differential (mechanical device) , geography , medicine , archaeology , aerospace engineering , engineering
This study examines the experience of being ignored when social interaction is chronically at high or low levels. Subjects in these studies resided in either traditional corridor dormitories or in suite‐type apartments. Previous research has shown that the corridor arrangement leads to an excess of unwanted contacts with other residents. Hence, corridor residents should desire less interaction with strangers than suite residents. It was hypothesized that corridor residents would be less adversely affected if they were ignored during a group discussion. The results of two experiments reported here support this hypothesis. They also demonstrate the generally negative effects of being ignored. Results are discussed in terms of Altman's (1975) model of contact regulation.