Citation

Omata K. J. Environ. Psychol. 1995; 15(2): 147-154.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Academic Press)

DOI

10.1016/0272-4944(95)90022-5

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The present study aims to reduce the gap between theoretical and empirical work regarding territoriality in domestic spaces and its psychological meanings. Japanese married women responded to a questionnaire on territorial recognition of domestic space, use of rooms, and symptoms of psychological maladaptation. The results showed that most of them had their own controllable and personalized spaces in the home while only a few had exclusive spaces. Subjects tended to go to the place under their control in order to be alone, to spend free time and to entertain friends. Results also indicated that those who had controllable space showed better adaptation than those who did not. However, neither personalized nor exclusive spaces related to psychological well-being. Thus, the present study revealed that territoriality and the controllability of space in particular had a relationship to the use of rooms and well-being in Japanese women.