Social rank theory is one of the several evolutionary theories that help explain seemingly maladaptive emotions. The theory proposes that emotions and moods are substantially influenced by the way one perceives their social rank or status in a hierarchy. In simpler terms, it suggests that the degree to which one feels inferior to others and looked down on plays a major role in impacting their daily dispositions. This may impact our internal feelings, our interactions with peers and ultimately, our mental health. 

Social rank theory focuses on 3 major emotions – depression, anxiety and shame – and posits that these emotions regulate competitive interactions within the social group. It also puts forward the concept of ritual agonistic encounters i.e. interaction(s) between two (or more) individuals that start(s) with a display of challenges and end(s) with escape or submission by one of the individuals. As a contest progresses, the individuals must make an ongoing decision: whether to compete (e.g., fight, defend), and escalate conflict in pursuit of victory; or to yield (e.g., flee, submit), and de-escalate conflict in acceptance of defeat. In recent times, these contests might take the form of leadership disputes, group decision-making struggles, or subtle competition for social approval.

Social rank theory further proposes that, in the face of anticipated contest loss, an involuntary defeat strategy (IDS) can be triggered. This is an automatic, self-protective response that reduces motivation, dampens mood, and may lead to withdrawal from social engagement. In humans, where defeats take social as well as physical form, the IDS may produce psychological symptoms that cluster into clinical conditions such as depression and anxiety, which are often accompanied by shame. It may also exert a behavioural response in the form of social withdrawal, psychomotor retardation, or verbalized incompetence, all of which are plausible signs of submission.  

Research suggests that perceptions of low social power (involving a perceived lack of control over outcomes) is linked to greater depressive symptoms. Experiences of low social power (such as interacting with a powerful other or being subordinated in a group) generate more negative emotions. Social comparison (e.g., rating oneself as less attractive, likeable, and talented than others) leads to depressive and anxiety disorders, shame and submissive behaviors. Furthermore, when defeat and entrapment are added to the mix, these negative social comparisons also correlate with symptoms such as loss of pleasure (anhedonia) and suicidal ideation.

Another important concept in Social Rank Theory is resource holding potential (RHP). RHP is similar to self-esteem and is characterised by the self-appraisal of one’s prospects when the resources (friends, influence, material assets) he/she possesses are threatened by others. RHP is alleged to prompt the escalation or de-escalation of a conflict and stems from a series of prior judgements where one assesses themselves in comparison to their peers. Individuals with higher perceived RHP are more likely to assert themselves, while those with lower RHP tend to avoid conflict.