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    The space around us : utilizing the hand-blink reflex to model defensive peripersonal space, and exploring interactions with state anxiety : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū campus, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Colville, Mark Allan
    Personal Space is a complex field, including boundaries used in social interactions, navigation and defence. The Defensive Peripersonal Space (DPPS) is a close proximity personal space used for defence, thought to be located within reaching distance. The DPPS is measured in individuals by the Hand-Blink Reflex (HBR), a blink reflex triggered by electrical stimulation of the median nerve at the wrist. By triggering the HBR while varying the hands distance from the face, an individual’s DPPS can be approximated. The field of DPPS and HBR research is however new and the HBR method is highly complex. This study replicated a HBR testing method, finding support for the presence of the DPPS, while finding the method extremely delicate, and in need of refinement and clarification. It is anticipated that this study will add help refine the HBR testing method, and be a useful addition to the field.
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    Layers of privacy : shaping personal space through screening in small apartments of Mumbai : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Gangurde, Priyanka
    This research explores how spatial design can facilitate privacy in small apartments and thereby sustain social and psychological wellbeing of inhabitants in high density housing of Mumbai, India. High density cities are the inevitable future of the developing world, and are being shaped by two key factors, namely, rapid urbanization and population growth. This has resulted in enormous environmental, social, political, economic and cultural problems.The lack of privacy has emerged as a major issue in high density housing and is regarded a major cause of anxiety in people today. It is related to a sense of loss and can lead to antisocial behavior. However, with careful design of the privacy and proximity requirements of these challenging spaces, social interaction can be managed and facilitated in a manner that promotes a safer, cohesive living experience, that in turn engenders a healthier neighborhood. This research interrogates into the socio-cultural dynamics of Indian society in relation to the ever-increasing density of human population and high density living in Mumbai. It looks in particular at the social and cultural requirements of personal space for ‘1 room kitchen small apartment units’ for middle class families and individuals. A spatial analysis of the realities and demands on such small apartment living is combined with a selection of product development methods to create a screen based interior design product solution. The design proposition seeks to provide families and individuals with living conditions that negotiate privacy needs with the reality of high density urban living demands to provide living experiences of quality and dignity.
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    Choice of bus seat as an indicator of human sensitivity to the environment : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Phillips, Kirsten
    Cities are a very recent feature of human evolution and have entailed significant behavioural adaptations, including the development of social pathologies. Human adaptation to an environment of increasing population density and a consequent decreasing availability of privacy and personal space was explored through natural observation and analysis of the seat choices made by 546 passengers on 26 bus journeys. As hypothesised, passengers predominantly distributed evenly between zones of the bus, actively selected seats that maximised their distance from other passengers, and that facilitated a greater sense of space. The observed behaviour reflects high sensitivity to the spatial environment and supports the need to consider possible behavioural and psychological effects of urban intensification in plans to manage urban population growth.