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Cited by 221Embodied and Extended CognitionAction Observation and SynchronizationVirtual Reality Applications and Impacts

An action field theory of peripersonal space

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Bufacchi, Rory J., Iannetti, Gian Domenico·2018·Trends in Cognitive Sciences
DOI 10.1016/j.tics.2018.09.004PMC PMC6237614
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Abstract

Predominant conceptual frameworks often describe peripersonal space (PPS) as a single, distance-based, in-or-out zone within which stimuli elicit enhanced neural and behavioural responses. Here we argue that this intuitive framework is contradicted by neurophysiological and behavioural data. First, PPS-related measures are not binary, but graded with proximity. Second, they are strongly influenced by factors other than proximity, such as walking, tool use, stimulus valence, and social cues. Third, many different PPS-related responses exist, and each can be used to describe a different space. Here, we reconceptualise PPS as a set of graded fields describing behavioural relevance of actions aiming to create or avoid contact between objects and the body. This reconceptualisation incorporates PPS into mainstream theories of action selection and behaviour.

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  • Since the discovery of PPS, its definition and functional roles have been continuously expanding and re-conceptualizing.

    “Since the discovery of the PPS, its definition and functional roles have been continuously expanding (Bufacchi & Iannetti, 2018;Hunley & Lourenco, 2018) and re-conceptualizing (Serino, 2019).”

    From The Peripersonal Space in a social world (2021) · cites this paper as Bufacchi & Iannetti, 2018

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Authors
Bufacchi, R. J., & Iannetti, G. D.
Affiliations
  • University College London (GB)
  • Italian Institute of Technology (IT)
Corresponding author
Iannetti, Gian Domenico
ORCID
Venue
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2018-12
Volume
22
Issue
12
Pages
1076-1090
ISSN
1364-6613 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.tics.2018.09.004
PMC
PMC6237614
OpenAlex
W2897472457
Cited by
221
References
95
Citations by year
2026: 30 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 29 · 2022: 24 · 2021: 48 · 2020: 34 · 2019: 21 · 2018: 2
FWCI
3.50
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Trends in Cognitive Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • The Wellcome Trust
  • European Research Council
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Embodied and Extended Cognition
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Action Observation and Synchronization
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
Keywords
peripersonal space, action selection, tool use, social cues, stimulus valence, walking, contact avoidance
MeSH terms
Animals, Brain, Humans, Perception, Personal Space, Psychological Theory

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