Sperling is dissatisfied with previous explanations of social-mindedness. To ascribe it to identification in reaction-formation against sibling-rivalry obscures the question of the origin of the libido behind the identification. He attempts to show from case-material that it may be a deflection on to the siblings of the love for either parent, and therefore be homosexual or heterosexual in origin. The love of siblings serves self-preservation in the family and it must therefore be regarded as anaclitic. However, narcissistic libido may also be involved, and be converted into social-mindedness by the mechanism described as 'appersonation' (Int. J. Psycho-Anal., 25, 1944). The love expressed in social-mindedness is not reactive. For Sperling it is true love which cannot come out of hate. But it is transference-love directed to the wider 'abstract' group of people not ordinarily met with face to face, the abstraction favouring tendencies to regression and projection. Many other component instincts and defences may also be involved.