Rejection Elicits Emotional Reactions but Neither Causes Immediate Distress nor Lowers Self-Esteem: A Meta-Analytic Review of 192 Studies on Social Exclusion

Creator(s)

Ginette C. Blackhart, East Tennessee State UniversityFollow
Brian C. Nelson, East Tennessee State University
Megan L. Knowles, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster
Roy F. Baumeister, Florida State University

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Description

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.

Citation Information

Blackhart, Ginette C.; Nelson, Brian C.; Knowles, Megan L.; and Baumeister, Roy F.. 2009. Rejection Elicits Emotional Reactions but Neither Causes Immediate Distress nor Lowers Self-Esteem: A Meta-Analytic Review of 192 Studies on Social Exclusion. Personality and Social Psychology Review. Vol.13(4). 269-309. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868309346065 PMID: 19770347 ISSN: 1088-8683