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"Having high standing in your local ladder leads to receiving more respect, having more influence, and being more integrated into the group's social fabric," says study co-author Cameron Anderson.

If you feel on the outer, fear not friends: there's still time to join a book club and connect.

"I was surprised at how fluid these effects were - if someone's standing in their local ladder went up or down, so did their happiness," says Anderson.

"It's possible that being respected, having influence, and being socially integrated just never gets old," Anderson said.