Citation

Pedersen DM. J. Environ. Psychol. 1997; 17(2): 147-156.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Academic Press)

DOI

10.1006/jevp.1997.0049

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Various types of privacy behaviors are engaged in to achieve a desired level of access to one's self or group. Six types of privacy have been identified empirically--Solitude, Isolation, Anonymity, Reserve, Intimacy with Friends, and Intimacy with Family. The psychological needs met by each privacy was investigated in this study. Each type of privacy was rated by 74 subjects according to the degree to which each of 20 privacy needs was achieved. A factor analysis of the ratings within each privacy type was completed to find types of privacy functions. Several privacy function factors were found. There was both commonality and uniqueness of the factors across the six kinds of privacy. The factors found were contemplation, autonomy, rejuvenation, confiding, creativity, disapproved consumptions, recovery, catharsis, and concealment. Mean factor scale scores were calculated to describe the relative amount of utilization of the various privacy functions for each type of privacy.