The Sociometer , Self - Esteem , and the Regulation of Interpersonal Behavior

ost discussions of self-regulation have focused on the generic psychological processes that allow people to control their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors-processes that .a~e nonspecific with regard to the action being regulated (Baumeister, Heatherton, & T ce, 1994; Carver & Scheier, 1981; Mischel, 1996). For example, TOTE (test-operatest-exit) and other cybernetic models of self-control (Carver & Scheier, 1981) ca n be "'plied to many domains, and the same basic processes are involved regardless of the rure of the self-control task at hand. In addition to these general-purpose self-regulatory systems, people also possess -echanisms that arc dedicated to particular functions. Such mechanisms operate in a ~.::umscribed range of siruanons and handle only one kind of regulatory problem. This apter examines one such mechanism-the sociometer-that appears to be involved rhe control of interpersonal behavior. Most previous writing and research regarding _. sociometer have emphastzed tts connection to self-esteem, but, as we will see, its '1ctions go far beyond simp!} affecting how people feel about themselves (Leary & umeister, 2000). According to evolutionary psychologists, the human mind is composed of distinct, main-specific modules that evolved because they solved recurrent problems involving n •ival and reproduction in the past (Samuels, 2000). Recurrent challenges in the ances. environment led to the evolution of systems designed to meet those challenges. So, ~ example, theorists have posited regulatory modules that help people to avoid toxic hstances, identify potential mates, detect group members who cheat, and ostracize se who may be infected with parasites.