Final answer:
Cognitive Valence Theory explains and predicts the cognitive and emotional responses to violations of personal space, which are influenced by factors like relationship context and individual differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Cognitive Valence Theory (CVT) seeks to explain and predict how cognitive and emotional factors influence an individual's perceptions and responses to personal-space invasions. CVT posits that there are multiple cognitive appraisals that occur when someone's personal space is encroached upon, which interact with physiological arousal. The theory suggests that these appraisals, or valences, can be either positive or negative depending on various factors such as culture, personality, and the relationship between the people involved. A positive appraisal might lead to increased intimacy, while a negative one could result in discomfort or withdrawal.
For example, if someone you are very close to comes into close physical proximity, you might appraise this positively due to your relationship context, resulting in a pleasant interaction. Conversely, if a stranger invades your personal space, you may appraise this negatively, depending on your pre-existing disposition and the context, potentially causing discomfort or a desire to withdraw.