Expectancy Violations Theory

Expectancy violations theory (EVT) is a communication theory that originated as an account of the role of proxemics in interpersonal interactions and was called a theory of personal space violations. Proxemics refers to the use, arrangement, and interpretation of interpersonal spacing and distancing. Edward T. Hall’s description of proxemics as a nonverbal means of communicating within a culture variously referred to proxemics as a hidden dimension or silent language of culture. EVT initially cataloged the various expectations surrounding the use of personal space and distancing in interpersonal interactions, and it predicted the effects of violating those expectations. Soon the theory was expanded to include other forms of violations beyond proxemics; hence, the name change to EVT, and today its principles are considered relevant to verbal ...