In our complex social world, we are almost constantly involved in social interaction. This social world is composed of many smaller social institutions; the family, the church, the school, and many more. Within each institution are yet association groups, some of primary importance to us and some of secondary value. The relative importance of these groups changes with our experiences, our age, and various other factors. As Tryon expresses it, “Traits which twelve-year old boys approve in each other are identical only in part with those accepted as standards at the age of fifteen "(62).
One of the‘ strongest social needs, according to Thompson and Hunnicutt (60), appears to be the daaira for social approval. In their study they find mbstantial ovidonce that children soak the social gpproval of parents, teachers, and their own peer group. At times during adolaaoenca the desire far peer group approval becomes stronger than for tha approval of any other social group.
Our behavior in am? social situation depends upon our past experiences. Aa Stagnar says, We move in a pareeptunl world, colored by our past experiences" (58). He feels that "self" acts and the
acts of othara ‘become directing stimuli for developing behavior
mttornm Mae activities act as signs and mquiro positive and