The phrase misery loves company describes the motive to affiliate in order to:

• A. Increase independence
• B. Reduce fear
• C. Demonstrate dominance
• D. Avoid social contact

Answer: (B)

When people are distressed, they seek others to feel less alone and to ease their anxiety. The idea behind misery loves company is that affiliating with others who are going through the same experience provides social support, normalizes feelings, and reduces fear. Through shared emotion and reassurance, the distress feels more manageable and the sense of threat decreases. So the motive is to reduce fear by connecting with others.

This isn’t about becoming more independent, showing dominance, or avoiding social contact—the other options miss the emotional function of seeking company in hard times.