Childhood Maltreatment is Linked to Larger Preferred Interpersonal Distances Towards Friends and Strangers Across the Globe

Abstract

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is thought to be associated with altered responses to socialstimuli and interpersonal signals. Correspondingly, first studies found that CM is linked tolarger comfortable interpersonal distance (CID). However, studies were limited in statisticalpower and only examined individuals from the European region. Moreover, little is knownabout the effects of CM on CID towards different interaction partners and whether CID islinked to social functioning and attachment. To address these outstanding issues, adults(N=2986) from diverse cultures and socio-economic strata completed an online task evaluating CID. Higher CM was linked to larger CID towards both friends and strangers. Moreover,insecure attachment styles and less social support were associated with a larger CID. Giventhe importance of social relationships for mental health, our findings suggest that maltreatedindividuals should be supported in CID regulation (e.g., by means of tailored interventions).