READING- Affiliation, Acceptance, and Belonging: The Pursuit of Interpersonal Connection
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Define affiliation in social psychology.
Affiliation is the basic human act of associating or interacting with one or more other people, which remains a fundamental component of social existence.
What are the four primary motives for affiliation?
Obtaining positive stimulation
Seeking emotional support
Gaining social comparison information
Receiving attention
What is the social affiliation model?
A homeostatic model suggesting that individuals seek to maintain a specific, optimal level of social contact, adjusting their behavior when levels are too high or too low.
Explain Privacy Regulation Theory (Altman, 1975).
This theory suggests that our desire for social contact fluctuates over time, shifting between the need for social interaction and the desire for privacy.
How does evolutionary theory explain the drive for affiliation?
The urge to affiliate is considered evolved because group living provided prehistoric ancestors with better chances for survival, protection, and reproduction.
What is an examples of interpersonal differences in affiliation?
Some individuals have a high 'need for affiliation' and consistently seek more social interaction, while others have a lower need and prefer more solitude.
Describe intrapersonal differences in the desire to affiliate.
These are fluctuations within the same person, such as wanting to spend time with friends on a Friday night but preferring solitude after a stressful day at work.
How does stress affect the desire for affiliation?
Stress typically increases the desire to affiliate, especially with others who are experiencing the same stressful situation (the 'misery loves company' effect).
What is the 'misery loves miserable company' effect?
Based on Schachter's research, people under stress prefer to wait with others experiencing the same threat rather than being alone or with relaxed people.
What is the definition of Relational Value?
Relational value is the degree to which others consider their relationships with us to be valuable, important, or close.
How is acceptance defined in terms of relational value?
Acceptance occurs when others evaluate their relational value with us as high, leading them to seek out and maintain interactions.
How is rejection defined in terms of relational value?
Rejection occurs when others perceive their relational value with us as low, leading to exclusion, avoidance, or social distance.
What are the levels of the relational value continuum (Acceptance side)?
Maximum Inclusion (actively seeking the person out)
Active Inclusion (welcoming the person)
Passive Inclusion (allowing the person to join)
What are the levels of the relational value continuum (Rejection side)?
Ambivalence (don't care)
Passive Exclusion (ignoring)
Active Exclusion (avoiding)
Maximum Exclusion (banishing or ostracizing)
How can individuals promote their relational value through physical appearance?
Maintaining an attractive physical appearance increases the 'halo effect,' where people associate beauty with other desirable social traits, raising relational value.
In what way does competence influence relational value?
Demonstrating skills, intelligence, or success makes an individual a more valuable resource for a group, increasing their relational value.
How does sociability help promote relational value?
Possessing good social skills, such as empathy, active listening, and humor, makes interactions more rewarding for others, enhancing one's value.
What is mimicry and how does it relate to relational value?
Subtly mimicking the non-verbal behaviors of others (the 'Chameleon Effect') can increase liking and rapport, thereby promoting relational value.
How does displaying prosocial behavior affect relational value?
Altruism and helpfulness signal that a person is a cooperative and valuable group member, leading to higher social acceptance.
Define self-presentation in the context of relational value.
The process of strategically managing the information one shares about themselves to create a positive image and ensure social inclusion.
What is Explicit Rejection?
Clear and direct signals or actions that communicate a person is not wanted or is being excluded from a group or relationship.
Give three examples of Explicit Rejection events.
Direct verbal dismissal (e.g., 'I don't want to be friends with you')
Ostracism (being totally ignored)
Divorce or a formal breakup
What is Implicit Rejection?
Subtle, indirect cues that convey a lack of interest or low relational value without direct exclusion or verbal dismissal.
Give three examples of Implicit Rejection events.
Not being invited to a casual gathering
People not laughing at your jokes
Individuals failing to make eye contact during a conversation
Define Ostracism.
A specific form of rejection where an individual or group ignores and excludes a person, often referred to as the 'silent treatment'.
What is Cyber-ostracism?
Rejection that occurs in digital environments, such as being ignored in a group chat or having comments/posts consistently unacknowledged.
What is the primary emotional consequence of rejection?
Hurt feelings, which share similar physiological pathways in the brain with physical pain.
How does rejection affect self-esteem?
Rejection typically causes a sharp drop in self-esteem as the individual perceives their relational value as declining.
What are the common behavioral responses to rejection?
Responses range from prosocial (trying harder to be liked) to withdrawal (social isolation) or antisocial behavior (aggression).
How does rejection impact cognitive performance?
Research shows that social exclusion can lead to a temporary drop in IQ scores and impaired self-regulation because the person is distracted by social pain.
What is Sociometer Theory?
Developed by Mark Leary, it proposes that self-esteem acts as an internal gauge (sociometer) that monitors the degree to which we are accepted or rejected by others.
According to Sociometer Theory, what is the 'function' of self-esteem?
Self-esteem's function is not to feel good about oneself, but to alert the individual to potential threats to their social inclusion.
Why is rejection described as 'indiscriminate' in Sociometer Theory?
Because the human social monitoring system is highly sensitive, we often feel the sting of rejection even if it comes from people we do not like or groups we despise.
Explain why rejection from a 'hated group' still hurts.
According to sociometer theory, the brain processes rejection as a general threat to survival regardless of the rejector’s identity; inclusion is more important than the source.
What is the physiological overlap between social and physical pain?
Both activate the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) in the brain, explaining why rejection feels 'painful'.
How can rejection lead to aggressive behavior?
Excluded individuals may Lash out to exert control, seek revenge for the perceived low relational value, or protect their remaining self-worth.
What does 'social death' refer to?
A state where an individual is completely ostracized or ignored by their community, effectively meaning they have zero relational value.
How does reciprocity influence affiliation?
People are more likely to affiliate with those who show they like them back, as this ensures a higher likelihood of high relational value.
What is the impact of rejection on self-regulation?
Rejection depletes the mental resources needed for self-control, often leading to impulsive behaviors or difficulty concentrating.
Define 'Relational Devaluation'.
The specific realization that others do not value their relationship with you as much as you thought or as much as you value them.
Identify the difference between 'Active Exclusion' and 'Passive Exclusion'.
Active exclusion involves people going out of their way to avoid you; passive exclusion involves others simply ignoring you or not including you when you are there.
How does 'Similarity' promote relational value?
People value those who share similar attitudes and interests, as it validates their own worldviews and reduces the likelihood of conflict.
What is 'Social Anxiety' in the context of affiliation?
The fear of being negatively evaluated by others, which often prevents individuals from seeking the affiliation they actually desire.
Describe 'Stigmatization' as a form of rejection.
Implicit or explicit rejection based on belonging to a group that is socially devalued (e.g., based on race, disability, or occupation).
Explain the relationship between 'Belonging' and physical health.
Chronic lack of affiliation or constant rejection can lead to weakened immune systems, higher blood pressure, and shorter life expectancy.
What role does 'Ingratiation' play in promoting relational value?
Using flattery or doing favors to make oneself more likable to higher-status individuals to increase one’s own relational social standing.
What is the 'Social Monitor'?
An psychological mechanism that scans the environment for cues of acceptance or rejection to ensure the individual maintains necessary social ties.
How does 'Betrayal' serve as a rejection event?
Betrayal communicates that the transgressor does not value the relationship enough to be faithful or honest, leading to a drop in relational value.
Why is affiliation considered a 'buffer'?
Affiliation with supportive others acts as a buffer against the negative psychological and physiological effects of life stressors.
Define 'Inclusionary Status'.
The objective position a person holds in a social group, ranging from the 'core' (highly included) to the 'periphery' (partially excluded).
Define affiliation in social psychology.
Affiliation is the basic human act of associating or interacting with one or more other people, which remains a fundamental component of social existence.
What are the 4 primary motives for affiliation?
Obtaining positive stimulation
Seeking emotional support
Gaining social comparison information
Receiving attention
Explain the Social Affiliation Model.
A homeostatic model suggesting that individuals seek to maintain a specific, optimal level of social contact, adjusting behavior when levels are too high or too low.
How does Altman's (1975) Privacy Regulation Theory describe social contact?
This theory suggests that our desire for social contact fluctuates over time, shifting between the need for social interaction and the desire for privacy.
What is the evolutionary basis for the drive for affiliation?
The urge to affiliate is considered evolved because group living provided prehistoric ancestors with better chances for survival, protection, and reproduction.
Describe interpersonal differences in the need for affiliation.
Individual differences where some people have a high 'need for affiliation' (nAff) and consistently seek more interaction, while others prefer more solitude.
Describe intrapersonal differences in the desire to affiliate.
Fluctuations within the same person, such as wanting to socialize on a weekend but preferring solitude after a stressful day at work.
Who conducted the research demonstrating that stress increases the desire for affiliation?
Stanley Schachter.
What is Schachter's 'misery loves miserable company' effect?
People under stress prefer to wait with others experiencing the same threat rather than being alone or with relaxed people, seeking social comparison.
Define Relational Value (RV).
Relational value is the degree to which others consider their relationships with us to be valuable, important, or close.
How does Acceptance relate to Relational Value?
Acceptance occurs when others evaluate their relational value with us as high, leading them to seek out and maintain interactions.
How does Rejection relate to Relational Value?
Rejection occurs when others perceive their relational value with us as low, leading to exclusion, avoidance, or social distance.
Name the three levels of the Relational Value continuum on the Acceptance side.
- Maximum Inclusion (actively seeking the person out)
- Active Inclusion (welcoming the person)
- Passive Inclusion (allowing the person to join)
Name the four levels of the Relational Value continuum on the Rejection side.
- Ambivalence (not caring)
- Passive Exclusion (ignoring)
- Active Exclusion (avoiding)
- Maximum Exclusion (banishing or ostracizing)
How can Physical Appearance be used to promote Relational Value?
Maintaining attractiveness triggers the 'halo effect,' where beauty is associated with desirable social traits, raising one's perceived value.
How does Competence affect an individual's Relational Value?
Demonstrating skills, intelligence, or success makes an individual a more valuable resource for a group, increasing their social worth.
What role does Sociability play in promoting Relational Value?
Possessing social skills like empathy, active listening, and humor makes interactions more rewarding for others, enhancing value.
Define Mimicry and its relationship to Relational Value.
The 'Chameleon Effect,' or subtly mimicking non-verbal behaviors, increases rapport and liking, which promotes higher relational value.
How does Prosocial Behavior increase Relational Value?
Altruism and helpfulness signal that a person is a cooperative and valuable group member, leading to higher levels of social acceptance.
What is Self-presentation in the context of relational promotion?
The strategic management of information one shares to create a positive image and ensure social inclusion in a group.
Define Explicit Rejection.
Clear and direct signals or actions that communicate a person is not wanted or is being excluded from a group or relationship.
What are three examples of Explicit Rejection events?
- Direct verbal dismissal
- Ostracism (being totally ignored)
- Formal breakup or divorce
Define Implicit Rejection.
Subtle, indirect cues that convey a lack of interest or low relational value without using direct exclusion or verbal dismissal.
What are three examples of Implicit Rejection events?
- Not being invited to a casual gathering
- People not laughing at your jokes
- Failing to make eye contact during a conversation
Define Ostracism and its common pseudonym.
A form of rejection where an individual or group ignores and excludes a person, often called the 'silent treatment'.
What is Cyber-ostracism?
Social rejection in digital environments, such as being ignored in group chats or having social media posts consistently unacknowledged.
What is the primary emotional consequence of rejection?
Hurt feelings, which activate brain pathways similar to those of physical pain.
How does rejection impact Self-esteem?
Rejection causes a sharp drop in self-esteem as the individual perceives their relational value with others is declining.
What are common Behavioral Responses to rejection?
Responses can be Prosocial (trying harder), Withdrawal (isolation), or Antisocial (aggression).
How does rejection affect cognitive performance and self-regulation?
It can lead to a temporary drop in IQ scores and impaired self-regulation because the individual is cognitively distracted by social pain.
Who developed Sociometer Theory?
Mark Leary.
According to Sociometer Theory, what is the 'function' of self-esteem?
It acts as an internal gauge (sociometer) that alerts the individual to potential threats to their social inclusion rather than just 'feeling good'.
Why is rejection described as 'indiscriminate' in Sociometer Theory?
Because the monitoring system is highly sensitive, people feel the sting of rejection even if it comes from people they do not like or groups they despise.
Why does rejection from a 'hated group' still cause pain?
The brain processes rejection as a general threat to survival regardless of the rejector's identity, as inclusion is prioritized by the monitoring system.
Which brain region is responsible for the physiological overlap between social and physical pain?
The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC).
How can rejection trigger Aggressive Behavior?
Individuals may lash out to exert control, seek revenge for low relational value, or protect their remaining self-worth.
Define 'Social Death'.
A state where an individual is completely ostracized or ignored by their community, effectively holding zero relational value.
How does Reciprocity influence the desire to affiliate?
Individuals are more likely to affiliate with those who demonstrate that they like them back, ensuring higher relational value.
What is the effect of social exclusion on mental resources?
Rejection depletes the mental resources needed for self-control, leading to impulsive behaviors or concentration difficulties.
Define Relational Devaluation.
The realization that others do not value their relationship with you as much as you previously thought or as much as you value them.
Distinguish between Active Exclusion and Passive Exclusion.
Active exclusion involves others going out of their way to avoid you; passive exclusion is when others simply ignore or do not include you.
How does Similarity promote Relational Value?
Shared attitudes and interests validate worldviews and reduce conflict, making similar individuals more valuable partners.
What is Social Anxiety in the context of affiliation?
The fear of being negatively evaluated, which acts as a factor preventing individuals from seeking the social contact they desire.
What is Stigmatization as a form of rejection?
Rejection based on belonging to a socially devalued group (e.g., race, disability, or occupation).
What are the physical health consequences of a chronic lack of belonging?
Weakened immune systems, higher blood pressure, and a shorter overall life expectancy.
Define Ingratiation as a strategy.
Using flattery or favors to make oneself more likable to higher-status individuals to increase one’s own relational social standing.
What is the 'Social Monitor'?
The psychological mechanism that scans the environment for cues of acceptance or rejection to maintain necessary social ties.
How does Betrayal act as a rejection event?
It communicates that the transgressor does not value the relationship enough to be faithful, resulting in a drop in perceived relational value.
Why is affiliation described as a 'buffer'?
Interacting with supportive others acts as a buffer against the negative psychological and physiological effects of life stressors.
Define Inclusionary Status.
The objective position a person holds in a social group, ranging from the 'core' (high inclusion) to the 'periphery' (partial exclusion).