Does everyone react negatively to ostracism?
Does everyone have a deep-rooted affiliation need or a need to belong?
Some people think of themselves as “rugged individualists” who are marching to a different drummer rather than following the crowd.
Religious hermits are extreme examples of voluntary social isolation, but any pioneer who leaves the home village to explore unknown lands would have the same characteristics.
Unfortunately, research suggests that this approach is not likely to lead to good health and happiness.
Humans are intensely social creatures, and rarely thrive when separated from other human contacts.
Let’s look at some of the evidence.