Impact of Proxemics on Cultural Norms and Client Comfort in Client-Counsellor Interactions among University Sex Counsellors in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2026251Abstract
This study aimed to explore the role of physical distance in client-counsellor interaction in Nigerian university sex counselling settings, focusing on proxemics and its impact on therapeutic outcomes. The study employed a qualitative research design, utilizing a case study approach to gather in-depth insights into the experiences of clients and counsellors. The population of the study comprised clients and counsellors in Nigerian university counselling centers, with a sample of 30 clients and 20 counsellors selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and questionnaires. The instruments were validated through pilot testing and expert review, ensuring their validity and reliability. Data collected were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, and Chi-Square to test the hypotheses. Results in hypothesis one revealed that physical distance has a significant effect on client comfort levels (F-statistic = 4.21, p = 0.026). Results in hypothesis two revealed that cultural norms significantly influence client-counsellor interaction (Chi-Square = 12.51, p = 0.002). results in hypothesis three revealed that optimizing physical distance significantly improved interaction outcomes (t = 2.15, p = 0.04). Findings of this study implied that physical distance between client and counselor significantly impacts the therapeutic process. The study concluded that optimizing physical distance significantly improve client-counsellor interaction outcomes in Nigerian university sex counseling sessions, suggesting that factors like cultural norms and therapeutic techniques also play a bigger role. The study, however, recommended that counsellors should prioritize client comfort, cultural sensitivity, and effective therapeutic techniques, adjusting physical distance according to client preferences and cultural norms.
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