PSY DEAN FMLY

The most important social motivation in people’s lives.

Family is the most important social motivation to people, new research finds.

People around the world consistently rank their long-term relationships and family above seeking status, finding mates, preserving health, being part of a team or protecting themselves.

In contrast, seeking a new romantic relationship is ranked as the least motivating factor in their lives.

Indeed, people who focus more on seeking new partners tend to be less satisfied with life.

Those who focus more on their families and long-term relationships are generally happier with life, the researchers found.