Why Are Human Beings Social?
4. Humans have a fundamental need to belong: The formation of social bonds is adaptive because it aids survival and reproductive success. We experience anxiety at the prospect of rejection. 5. People seek others when they are anxious: Isolation causes anxiety and when anxious, we choose to be with others. Social comparison allows us to validate our selfperceptions. 6. People are motivated to detect and reject cheaters: A social dilemma arises when we experience a conflict between cooperating and being selfish. People act selfishly if they think others are as well, which threatens group stability. Therefore we are vigilant in detecting cheaters in the group and will stigmatize and reject them. How Do People Achieve Personal Goals? 7. Good goals enhance confidence: Challenging, difficult, and specific goals are most productive. A sense of self-efficacy leads to success. Being motivated to achieve is a powerful influence on behavior. 8. Self-regulation requires self-awareness and delay of
