Space Strategies

• Body language and distances may vary among cultural groups.
• Touch is a culturally learned communication behavior. Some cultures hug, kiss and shake hands, while other cultures are extremely reserved.
• Be aware of cultural and/or religious customs related to personal space. For example:
  • Most African Americans are comfortable with a close personal space. However, direct eye contact by the nurse may be interpreted as aggressive by some patients.
  • Most Chinese individuals maintain a formal distance with others as a show of respect. Many are uncomfortable with face-to-face communication and direct eye contact.
  • European Americans generally do not touch each other unless they are family or close friends (especially, men). Direct eye contact is important.
  • Filipinos maintain greater distance with strangers and people in authority positions.
  • Iranians may show respect for the nurse by keeping a greater distance.
  • Mexican Americans often touch people of the same sex in public, but not the opposite sex.
  • Navajo Americans do not touch others unless the person is very well known. They maintain a greater personal space than European Americans. Direct eye contact is considered rude and aggressive.
  • Vietnamese patients may consider the head as a sacred body part that should not be touched. Direct eye contact may be interpreted as disrespect.