ABSTRACT
Humans are clearly social animals (e.g., Aronson, 1999; Ehrlich, 2000). Our days would be incomplete without the many social interactions that typically fill them. We spend time with family, catch up on the latest gossip with friends, converse with colleagues, and acknowledge acquaintances and complete strangers. The most interesting thing to note about all of these types of events is that other “social animals” are always prominently involved. It is therefore not surprising that the need to belong and be accepted by family members, friends, peers, colleagues, acquaintances, and other important group members is strong, perhaps even fundamental (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). The reverse of this argument is also true—social exclusion and loneliness can be devastating (Cacioppo & Hawkley, this volume; Leary, 2001; Williams, 2001; Williams & Zadro, this volume).
