psychological distance

Psychological distance refers to how close or far away an event, person, or idea feels to us in our mind, even if it is physically nearby or far away. It influences how we think and feel about things, affecting our interest, empathy, and decision-making. For example, we might feel closer to someone we see regularly or think about events happening nearby, while distant events—like future plans or distant countries—feel less immediate. This concept helps explain why people may react differently to issues based on their mental perspective, impacting motivation and understanding.