ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on when and how Relationality arose in humans and how it is used by humans to advance their individual and collective well-being. The evolution of the mental tools required for Relationality-related Well-Being Systems did not just suddenly appear with the emergence of humans, but rather evolved progressively through the primate line. The Relationality-related Well-Being Systems involved with insuring positive social relationships are always active within humans, always responsive to the on-going need to be noticed, loved or otherwise appreciated by others. Esteem is an important motivator, and the need for esteem acts as a significant Well-Being trigger. All humans have a need to feel respected and valued by others, to be appreciated as someone who makes a contribution. Research on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reinforces the devastating consequences of deficiencies in Relationality-related Well-Being Systems. Conscious awareness appears to be a particularly critical aspect of this modality of Well-Being Systems.
