Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

aggression, children, deviance, isolation, social acceptance, social rejection

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

People conform to gain social acceptance and avoid rejection. It is believed that people carry a strong, instinctive need to form social bonds and avoid the consequences of rejection. Even individuals who prefer to be alone still tend to have a few close friends. Rejection is one of the main obstacles faced by many individuals in their attempts to fulfill this need. Being rejected by social groups can be distressing to the individual, as the consequences of rejection can be catastrophic. However, those who feel rejected can also behave in a manner that can either strengthen their remaining social bonds or that aims to create new ones.

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