ABSTRACT

People are right to dread rejection. Social isolates feel bad, suffering anxiety and depression in the moment, and a general lack of well-being over the long-term (Baumeister, 1991; Baumeister & Tice, 1990; Leary, 1990; Nezlek, Kowalski, Leary, Blevins, & Holgate, 1997; Williams, Cheung, & Choi, 2000; and in this volume, see Williams & Zadro; Eisenberger & Lieberman; MacDonald, Kingsbury, & Shaw). Social isolates damage their immune systems and threaten their cardio-vascular health (House, Landis, & Umberson, 1988; Kiecolt-Glaser, McGuire, Robles, & Glaser, 2002; see Cacioppo & Hawkley, this volume). Social isolates die sooner (Berkman, 1995; Berkman et al., 2000; Berkman & Syme, 1979; Berscheid & Reis, 1998). Throughout human history, being banished from the group has amounted to a death sentence.