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ERIC Number: EJ980291
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0161-827X
EISSN: N/A
Stay out of My Space! Territoriality and Nonverbal Immediacy as Predictors of Roommate Satisfaction
Erlandson, Karen
Journal of College and University Student Housing, v38 n2 p46-61 2012
This study utilize d direct observation to explore the relationship between nonverbal communication variables (immediacy and territoriality) and roommate satisfaction. Data were collected from 51 roommate pairs (N = 102) at a small liberal arts college. Participants were asked to engage in a discussion about a time they had to negotiate activities such as quiet times in the room or chore distribution. They also completed a survey regarding territoriality. The results indicate that some aspects of immediacy (positive affect) and some aspects of territoriality (firmness of boundaries) are related to roommate satisfaction; roommates who scored high on positive affect were more satisfied, and roommates who scored high on firmness of boundaries were less satisfied. Additionally, firmness of boundaries was negatively correlated to positive affect and body relaxation. In other words, the more similar roommates were in terms of their concern with managing boundaries and personal space, the more uncomfortable they were in interactions with their roommates, as expressed by a lack of positive affect and relaxation. The findings are discussed in terms of implications for residential life cohabitation. (Contains 2 tables.)
Association of College and University Housing Officers - International. 941 Chatham Lane Suite 318, Columbus, OH 43221. Tel: 614-292-0099; Fax: 614-292-3205; e-mail: office@acuho-i.org; Web site: http://www.acuho-i.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A