Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and Belongingness

Humans instinctively seek out groups. Affiliation is not a feeling we have to foster or train in people. Instead, we are social beings which means we must congregate. You can easily find examples of this all around you, including the phrase Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). RSD is an intense, negative emotional response some people have to being rejected or feeling rejected by others. We call that feeling "RSD" so people with similar experiences can congregate and satisfy that desire to be in a group. The phrase doesn't create the feeling, but gives people who have the feeling a banner under which to assemble.

To that end, I think it's our innate drive to assemble, seek out others, congregate, and create groups that is at the heart of RSD. Humans do best in groups, and so it makes sense we innately seek out groups. In fact, being put-out-of the group is a huge threat to survival both physically and emotionally, among other domains. I have noticed that all people, even those who report not liking groups or struggle to form or be a part of groups, innately understand the significance of group-belongingness.

So, what happens when someone fights against an innate desire to be in a group by intentionally putting themselves outside of the group? Or, when someone has a history of being rejected and has no idea what has lead to the chronic rejection. Or, when someone can sense they are at risk of group rejection or about to be put out of the group, so to speak? Or, when someone's Rejection Sensitivity Meter is set so high that even a sideways glance from a stranger can cause them to spiral into behaviors that actually get them put outside of the group? The situations and scenarios I have heard about and witnessed over the years that have lead to RSD are many, but they all seem to be linked to this drive to belong to a group that cannot be reliably satisfied.