Rejection elicits emotional reactions but neither causes immediate distress nor lowers self-esteem: a meta-analytic review of 192 studies on social exclusion.
Competing predictions about the effect of social exclusion were tested by meta-analyzing findings from studies of interpersonal rejection, ostracism, and similar procedures. Rejection appears to cause a significant shift toward a more negative emotional state. Typically, however, the result was an emotionally neutral state marked by low levels of both positive and negative affect. Acceptance caused a slight increase in positive mood and a moderate increase in self-esteem. Self-esteem among rejected persons was no different from neutral controls. These findings are discussed in terms of belongingness motivation, sociometer theory, affective numbing, and self-esteem defenses.
Blackhart
Ginette C
GC
Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA. gblackhart@scientia.cc
Nelson
Brian C
BC
Knowles
Megan L
ML
Baumeister
Roy F
RF
D000339:Affect; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012059:Rejection, Psychology; D012649:Self Concept