Riding the ‘O’ Train: Comparing the Effects of Ostracism and Verbal Dispute on Targets and Sources

In the present study we examined the effects of social ostracism (being excluded and ignored in the presence of others) on those who ostracize (sources) and those who are ostracized (targets). Unlike previous research that compared ostracism to social inclusion, the present study also compared ostracism to verbal dispute (i.e. an argument). A role-play method was used such that participants acted out a five-minute train ride in which two sources ignored or argued with a target sitting between them. In three studies, ostracism was shown to be a unique form of social conflict, with targets of ostracism reporting lower need satisfaction levels than targets of argument, whereas sources of ostracism reported higher need satisfaction levels than did sources of argument

Stigma and social support in substance abuse: Implications for mental health and well-being

Individuals with substance abuse may suffer from severe public and internalized stigma. Little is known about how social support can reduce stigma and improve mental health and well-being for them. This research examined how perceived stigma influences individuals in treatment for substance abuse, and whether internalized stigma and shame are mechanisms which link social support with better mental health and well-being. Sixty-four participants in treatment for substance abuse (alcohol, drugs), aged between 18 and 64, completed an online survey measuring perceived stigma, internalized stigma, shame, perceived social support, and mental health and well-being (self-esteem, depression and anxiety, sleep). We found that perceived stigma was associated with lower self-esteem, higher depression and anxiety, and poorer sleep. Furthermore, perceived social support followed the opposite pattern, and was associated with higher self-esteem, lower depression and anxiety, and better sleep. The effects of perceived stigma and of perceived social support on our outcome measures were mediated by internalized stigma and by internalized shame. Helping individuals with substance abuse to utilize their social support may be fruitful for combatting the negative impact of internalized stigma and shame on mental health and well-being

Ostracism: On Being Ignored, Excluded, and Rejected

34 page(s

How low can you go? Ostracism by a computer is sufficient to lower self-reported levels of belonging, control, self-esteem, and meaningful existence

8 page(s

The role of interpersonal stress in overeating among high and low disinhibitors

This study was concerned with the role of interpersonal stress in precipitating eating for high and low disinhibitors. Two forms of stress, ostracism and argument, were compared. A second comparison focused on targets and sources of both forms of interpersonal stress. Fifty-seven females who differed in their level of disinhibition participated in a two-stage experiment. In the first stage, they were engaged in a social interaction with two other people. The second stage involved a taste test; the dependent variable was the amount of food eaten. There were no differences between the ostracism and argument conditions for the amount of food eaten; nor did high and low disinhibitors differ. There was, however, a significant interaction between level of disinhibition and role (target vs. source) for the amount of food eaten. High disinhibitors ate markedly more than low disinhibitors when they were targets; the two groups ate similar amounts when they were sources. Strategies that dieters can employ in order to overcome the tendency to overeat are outlined.8 page(s

The effects of ostracism on self-regulation in the socially anxious

34 page(s