Dimensions of Privacy

Abstract

A factor analytic study proceeded in two phases to determine types of privacy. In Phase I 96 items were collected, administered to 166 people, and factor analyzed. For Phase II items were retained, revised, added, or deleted to form a condensed pool of 30 items of greater factorial purity. This revised questionnaire was given to 188 subjects and then factor analyzed. Six independent factors of privacy were obtained, and factor scales to measure them were developed consisting of five factor pure items per factor. The privacy factors identified were: Reserve, Isolation, Solitary, Intimacy with Family, Intimacy with Friends, and Anonymity.