Which term best describes actions taken primarily to gain social acceptance?

The term "Good Boy, Good Girl" encapsulates actions taken primarily to gain social acceptance. This phrase originates from developmental psychology, particularly in the context of moral development proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg. It denotes a stage where individuals, often children, are motivated to behave in ways that are approved by authority figures and peers to gain approval, avoid punishment, or fit in socially.

When people engage in "Good Boy, Good Girl" behavior, they are often prioritizing how their actions will be perceived by others, reflecting a strong desire for social acceptance and belonging. This behavior is typically rooted in the desire to adhere to societal expectations or norms and seek validation from one's social circle.

The other choices, while related to social interactions, do not specifically capture this motivation in the same way. Peer influence refers to the effect that a peer group can have on an individual's behavior, which includes but is not limited to seeking acceptance. Compliant behavior can indicate following rules or submission to authority but doesn't inherently imply the desire for social acceptance. Similarly, affirmation seeking suggests a broader ambition for recognition or validation without the specific connotation of fitting in or conforming to social norms that "Good Boy, Good Girl" conveys.