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Two alternative conceptualizations of the process underlying affiliation motivation in everyday life were investigated: the social affiliation model (SAM)-a framework we propose-and privacy regulation theory (PRT; I. Altman, 1975; I. Altman, A. Vinsel, & B.B. Brown, 1981). The affiliative experiences of 66 participants were obtained using the experience sampling method. Sequential analyses indicated that individuals in elected social circumstances, such as those who were alone and wanted to be alone, continued in these circumstances at greater-than-chance levels (p <.01 ). These results suggest that individuals are motivated to re-establish an optimal range of contact, consistent with SAM and the view that the process underlying affiliation motivation operates according to a homeostatic principle. The contrasting predictions of PRT, as well as a rival explanation that the results are due to the continuation of activities, were not supported.
O'Connor et al. (Fri,) studied this question.