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Reflecting on Dunbar's numbers: Individual differences in energy allocation to personal relationships.
Wenbo Li1, David S Lee2, Jonathan L Stahl3
1School of Communication and Journalism, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.
Plos One
|March 11, 2025
Summary
People perceive energy allocation differently across their social networks, with self-esteem influencing investment in middle-layer relationships. Extraversion did not predict energy distribution in personal networks.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Network Science
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Previous research explored engagement variability in personal networks.
- Limited understanding exists on perceived energy allocation to different relationship ties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if subjective perceptions of energy allocation align with Dunbar's Numbers.
- To evaluate the predictive roles of Big Five personality traits and self-esteem on perceived energy allocation, controlling for network structure.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was conducted with 906 participants.
- Participants' perceptions of energy allocation to inner, middle, and outer network layers were analyzed.
- The influence of personality traits (Big Five) and self-esteem was assessed.
Main Results:
- Significant heterogeneity was found in perceived energy allocation across network layers (inner 5, middle 15, outer 150).
- Extraversion was not associated with perceived energy allocation.
- Higher self-esteem correlated with greater perceived energy allocation to the middle network layer compared to the inner layer.
Conclusions:
- Findings enhance understanding of relationship maintenance perceptions and psychological trait links.
- The psychological implications of the middle layer of personal networks warrant further investigation.
- Individual differences in prioritizing and reflecting on network relationships are crucial.
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