title: The psychological effects of ostracism following traumatic brain injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examines the psychological effects of ostracism. It was predicted that adults with brain injury would have an attenuated response to an acute experience of ostracism.
  
  
  METHODS
  A within-subject, fixed order design was used. The two conditions were ostracism and inclusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  A group of 20 adults with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) were compared with a group of 19 matched control participants. Both groups participated in a pseudo online ball tossing game, Cyberball. On one occasion they were excluded from the game and on the following occasion they were included fairly. Following each game they completed a self-report questionnaire about their experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Persons with brain injury self-reported negative psychological effects of ostracism including a lower sense of belonging, self-esteem and meaningful existence, however, were affected to a lesser degree than control participants [F(1,37) = 5.39, p = 0.026]. Persons with brain injury also reported that their feelings were hurt to a lesser extent than did control participants, t(37) = 2.10, p = 0.04.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results are discussed in terms of the role of the negative experience of ostracism in motivating and guiding behaviour to re-establish group membership to prevent future social isolation.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia and.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Skye
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kellett
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005717:Games, Experimental; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012929:Psychological Distance; D012649:Self Concept; D057566:Self Report; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires