Place and movement: A case study of the relationship between spatial positioning and thigmotactic tendency
Keywords:
Thigmotaxis, Spatial behavior, Perceived sense of security, Prospect-refuge theory, Architectural designAbstract
Thigmotaxis is the tendency to remain close to environmental boundaries. Involving tactile interaction with surfaces, thigmotaxis is associated with comfort, navigation, and perceived safety, and is linked to spatial behavior. While some studies have examined how environmental topology shapes movement and social behavior, research on thigmotaxis remains limited. The central question of this study is how spatial positioning preferences in architectural environments are shaped by individuals’ thigmotactic tendencies, perceived sense of security, and predisposition to agoraphobia. Accordingly, this research aims to investigate how psychological orientations influencing spatial choices -particularly thigmotaxis and agoraphobic tendencies- can be observed in real architectural settings. The scope of the study includes examining behavioral responses to spatial characteristics, such as enclosure and openness, within controlled built environments. In this study, the seating (positioning) preferences of 34 university students were observed in two different classroom settings. Subsequently, Likert-type questionnaires were used to measure thigmotactic tendency, agoraphobia, and perceived safety, and the relationships among these variables were analyzed. Participants’ spatial choices, psychological responses, and self-reported agoraphobia scores were recorded and evaluated. The findings indicate that participants showed stronger thigmotaxis in enclosed environments. The results also suggest that spatial configuration may be associated with movement and positioning patterns. The findings highlight the importance of considering psychological and behavioral diversity in spatial design. Addressing thigmotaxis may help create psychologically supportive architectural environments, particularly for individuals sensitive to open or poorly defined spaces.
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