Family gatherings often bring joy and drama, but new research suggests that living near relatives can shape our psychology in unexpected ways.

Would you go to war for your country? Do you support the death penalty? Do you trust people in your community? According to researchers from the University of Michigan and the University of California, Irvine, your answers may depend on whether you live close to family.

Surrounded by family

The researchers analyzed six studies in the United States, the Philippines, and Ghana to explore how being surrounded by relatives—or even just imagining such an environment—affects behavior.

“Living near relatives, or feeling like you do, changes how much importance people place on helping others and protecting them from harm,” they explain.

Their findings reveal a pattern: people in family-dense environments are more likely to engage in strong pro-group behaviors, such as supporting war to defend their country. They also feel a stronger sense of connection to those around them and are more likely to back harsh punishments, like the death penalty, as a way to deter harm or protect loved ones.

Living nearby

Living close to family comes with both advantages and challenges. “You feel more connected because the people around you are often family,” the researchers note. “But this also means there are more people you feel responsible for protecting.”

This need for protection may explain why those in family-rich areas are more supportive of punishing antisocial acts, such as murder, which could pose a threat to their kin.

The study highlights the psychological effects of living near family, an often-overlooked aspect of our social environment. It sheds light on the ecological roots of behaviors and cultural differences, revealing how the presence of relatives shapes our values and decisions.