The Evolutionary Significance of Affect in Groups

Communication and Group Bonding

Bibliographic Data

ID5772793
AuthorsJennifer R Spoor (0000-0003-1205-8317, Purdue University,), Janice R Kelly (Purdue University)
Year2004
Volume7
Issue4
Pages398-412
Publication date2004-09-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1368-4302 • E-ISSN: 1461-7188
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/1368430204046145
OpenAlexW2016614561
LanguageEN
Citations received46
References cited55

Recent theorizing and research has attempted to explicate the functions of moods and emotions within small groups. In this paper, we examine these areas and suggest that affect in groups, as well as specific mechanisms to regulate and maintain certain affective states in groups, have had important roles in promoting group survival over evolutionary history. Specifically, we suggest that affect in groups serves a coordination function, which can take one of two forms. First, affect in groups quickly provides information about the environment and group structure to other group members, thus coordinating group activity via a communication function. Second, shared affect in groups coordinates group activity through fostering group bonds and group loyalty. These two functions of affect in groups are closely related and mutually reinforcing. Current research and directions for future research within an evolutionary perspective are also discussed

Affect · Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Social and Intergroup Psychology

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