Spatial Proximity, Interpersonal Conflict, and Friendship Formation in the Intermediate-Care Facility

This study of 441 patients in 10 intermediate-care nursing homes reveals that spatial proximity is an important consideration in the analysis of social interaction between patients. Specific incidents involving arguments or fights between patients are more likely to occur within a fairly restricted spatial range such as within a four-bed room or between patients occupying adjacent rooms. Positive interaction, on the other hand, is more likely to occur on a sustained basis between patients who reside at least two rooms distance from each other. This suggests the need for both closeness and distance for the maintenance of normal friendships within the limiting milieu of the nursing home.