The Effect of Face Mask and Approach Pattern on Interpersonal Distance in COVID-19 Pandemic Using VR Technology

In the COVID-19 pandemic, control measures including wearing masks, ensuring hand hygiene, and maintaining a physical distance of at least 1 m were recommended to prevent the spread of virus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of face mask, approach pattern and participants’ gender on interpersonal distance in the pandemic environment. Virtual reality (VR) technology was applied to build the experimental environment. This study recruited 31 participants including 17 males and 14 females, who were asked to interact with virtual confederates with and without a face mask. The interpersonal distance was recorded when participants actively walk towards the virtual confederate or approached passively by the confederate. Three-way ANOVA results showed that face mask and approach pattern had significant effects on interpersonal distance. The distance when facing the confederate with a face mask was significantly closer than without a face mask. Moreover, participants preferred a significantly larger distance in the passive pattern than in the active pattern. The participants’ gender showed no significant effect on interpersonal distance and no interaction effects were found. The findings in this study helped to further investigate the nature of interpersonal distance and contributed to a better understanding of the human behaviors in the pandemic environment.