ABSTRACT
The formation of a group involves the development of integrative bonds that unite individuals in a cohesive unit. These are bonds of social attraction. In the course of group formation processes of social integration give rise to differentiating processes, and social differentiation, in turn, stimulates the development of social integration. The desire of many individuals to impress each other with their outstanding qualities engenders competitive processes, and social differentiation develops in the course of the ensuing competition. The fact that a person is an attractive associate is manifest in the inclination of others to engage in social interaction with him, which can be ascertained in various ways. There are many ways in which individuals who seek to gain social acceptance among others try to prove themselves attractive associates. For social acceptance requires some outstanding qualities that make an individual a differentially attractive associate, but outstanding qualities raise fears of dependence that inhibit acceptance as a sociable companion.
