<P> Sociometer theory is a theory of self - esteem from an evolutionary psychological perspective that proposes that state self - esteem is a gauge (or sociometer) of interpersonal relationships . This theoretical perspective was first introduced by Mark Leary and colleagues in 1995 and later expanded on by Kirkpatrick and Ellis . In Leary's research, the idea of self - esteem as a sociometer is discussed in depth . This theory was created as a response to psychological phenomenon i.e. social emotions, inter - and intra - personal behaviors, self - serving biases, and reactions to rejection . Based on this theory, self - esteem is a measure of effectiveness in social relations and interactions that monitors acceptance and / or rejection from others . With this, an emphasis is placed on relational value, which is the degree to which a person regards his or her relationship with another, and how it affects day - to - day life . Confirmed by various studies and research, if a person is deemed having relational value, they are more likely to have higher self - esteem . According to Leary, there are five main groups associated with relational value that are classified as those affording the greatest impact on an individual . They are: 1) macro-level, i.e., communities, 2) instrumental coalitions, i.e., teams, committees, 3) mating relationships, 4) kin relationships, and 5) friendships . A study was conducted to see just how much people depend on peers and outside factors and relational values to regulate their life . The objective of the study was to pick groups for an activity based on the evaluations given by the students . In the study, two groups were assigned . Both groups consisted of college students that submitted and were subjected to a peer evaluation . The difference being that the control group of students chose if they 1) wanted to interact with the person or 2) dissociated from the person . Previously asked, some students stated that they were indifferent or did not care what others' opinions of them were . However, when results were analyzed there was a great deal of fluctuation in overall self - esteem . Those who were placed in the second group (of dissociation), receiving a low relational value, displayed a lowered self - esteem . As a result, this compromised the way they assessed a / the situation . In the first group, where perceived relational value was high, self - esteem was also high . This provides some evidence for an evolutionary basis in the fundamental human need for inclusion in a group, and the burden of being on the outskirts of social acceptance . </P>

According to sociometer theory proposed by leary self-esteem is