Social Rejection Research Articles

Nowhere to Go

This article examines epidemics and disease prevention within the War Relocation Authority camps for Japanese Americans during World War II. Although scholars and activists have noted the limits and inadequacies of medical care within the camps, little attention has been given to the actions of camp administrators in curtailing outbreaks of deadly diseases such as polio and tuberculosis, including universal vaccination requirements and the use of quarantine orders. Disease in the camps resulted in cases of social isolation and ostracization and further exacerbated the stresses of life among the confined. Meanwhile, this article explores the use of the camps as sites of scientific study. Administrators and anthropologists documented cases of camp epidemics and published their results in journals on public health.

Personality Traits, Self-Esteem and Social Ostracism Among Valorant Players

Individuals born in and after 1995 spend most of their time playing video games. The majority of video games have violent content. This study aims to examine the effects of personality traits and self-esteem on social ostracism among Valorant players. In this context, 83 Valorant video game players, 55 male (66.3%) and 28 female (33.7%), were reached online. The mean age of the participants was 21.49 and the age-related standard deviation was 2.03 (age range 18-27). Faceted Inventory of the Five-Factor Model, Self-Esteem Scale, Social Ostracism Scale, and demographic information form were used. Data was analyzed by quantitative analysis techniques, namely correlation and simple linear regression. Findings show a positive relationship between social ostracism and neuroticism; and a negative relationship between social ostracism, agreeableness, and self-esteem. Neuroticism (envy) and self-esteem significantly predicted the variance (41%) in social ostracism. Findings were examined in light of the relevant literature, and some recommendations were made.

Negative Affect Following Dating Application Use Is Predicted by Social Anxiety Symptoms and Match Rate.

Social rejection is a common and unavoidable experience for users of dating apps. Research suggests that socially anxious individuals may be particularly likely to use dating apps to establish intimate relationships, given their preference for online (vs. face-to-face) communication. However, social anxiety (SA) symptoms are associated with heightened negative affect and decreased prosocial behavior following social rejection, suggesting that exposure to dating app rejection has deleterious consequences in this population. This study examined whether SA symptoms and social rejection (vs. acceptance) feedback interact to predict participants' negative and positive affect and social engagement with dating app matches. Participants (N = 128) evaluated for SA symptoms were randomly assigned to receive high or low match rate feedback on a simulated dating application task. SA symptoms were negatively associated with positive affect following high match rate feedback and positively associated with negative affect following low match rate feedback. SA symptoms were negatively associated with self-reported likelihood of contact initiation with matches. Results suggest that high socially anxious individuals are more susceptible to negative repercussions of social rejection on dating applications.

The effects of ostracism on preschoolers’ over-imitation behaviors

Overimitation represents an early developing behavior implicated in the emergence of learning, affective, and social competences. Adult overimitation is heavily affected by contextual variables such as social ostracism, the experience of being ignored by others in a social context, an experience that threatens several psychological needs, inducing the urge to reaffiliate with a social group to restore the original state of well-being. Yet, the impact of social ostracism on overimitation in children remains unclear. This study explored how a face-to-face triadic inclusive/ostracizing ball-tossing game affects overimitation in predominantly White 3-year-old children (n = 43, 53.4% boys) and 5-year-old children (n = 43, 41.8% boys). Results showed that preschoolers are highly affected by social ostracism experiences, with both age groups displaying decreased positive emotionality and heightened negative emotionality when ostracized. Despite this continuity in the affective and behavioral reactions toward social exclusion, imitation fidelity is differently affected by first-person ostracism; the 3-year-olds imitated more when ostracized, whereas the 5-year-olds did so when included, signaling a developmental difference between the strategy repertoire at different ages. Overall, the current findings shed light on the social influences driving preschoolers’ overimitation behaviors, emphasizing the importance of investigating social mechanisms underlying imitation and young children’s social cognition development.

Understanding the challenges of learning disabilities and psychosocial disorders

Students with learning disabilities often experience a complex range of internal and external challenges that can significantly impact their overall well-being and development. Internally, these students may grapple with intense feelings of anxiety, depression, and physical complaints, which can lead to social withdrawal and diminished self-esteem. They may also face higher rates of bullying and social rejection, further exacerbating their psychosocial difficulties and negatively affecting their sense of belonging and acceptance. These learners are more likely to exhibit attention problems, poor concentration, and a wide range of emotional difficulties, which can further hinder their ability to engage effectively in academic and social settings. Behaviorally, students with learning disabilities may exhibit issues like attention deficits and socialisation challenges, stemming from underlying processing difficulties and challenges in understanding social cues and norms. They may also experience feelings of anger, frustration, and even aggressive behaviours, often as a result of their negative experiences and struggles with academic demands. Emerging research suggests that executive function deficits can contribute to these students' complex relationship between temperament and psychological difficulties. Problems with executive functions, such as attention, planning, memory, and flexibility, can significantly impact their cognitive and social-emotional development. Early interventions, such as video games, mobile apps, or STEM-oriented approaches, are crucial for addressing these multifaceted challenges and supporting the holistic growth and well-being of students with learning disabilities

Fear of appearance discrimination and its influence on well‐being across cultures

AbstractLookism encompasses discrimination based on a person's physical appearance. In a society where lookism is prevalent, the question arises concerning the impact of the fear of lookism on one's well‐being. To address this issue, we assessed the fear of anticipated appearance discrimination by constructing a new Fear of Lookism Scale (FLS). By testing 400 Japanese participants, we developed a three‐factor seven‐item scale and confirmed its convergent validity by establishing significantly positive correlations among its subscales (exclusion/devaluation, romantic rejection and insult) and related measures (physical appearance perfectionism and social appearance anxiety) in Study 1. In Study 2a, we gathered data from 312 Japanese participants to assess the scale's test–retest reliability. In Study 2b, combining data from 401 American participants with data from Study 2a, we verified FLS measurement invariance in the United States and Japan. Japanese participants scored higher on the FLS than Americans, particularly for exclusion/devaluation and insult. Across cultures, romantic rejection and insult were positively associated with physical appearance perfectionism, which, in turn, decreased subjective happiness through impacting self‐esteem (or increased loneliness) and increased subjective happiness through impacting self‐esteem (or decreased loneliness) respectively.

Religious Nationalism and The Legal Rejection of LGBT Rights in Zambia: Examining the Intersection of Religion, Law, And Social Exclusion

In the 21st century, national identities are shaped by more than just belonging to a nation-state; factors such as ethnicity, culture, gender, and religion also play a significant role. Individuals can align themselves with imagined communities, where national identity exists only in the mind. However, when religion becomes a symbol of national identity, it often leads to the rejection of beliefs that contradict religious values. This paper explores the influence of religious nationalism on the social rejection of LGBT rights in Zambia. Through a review of various theories of nationalism and an analysis of the conflicts between state, ethnic, and religious nationalisms, the paper highlights how strong religious identities can foster hostility toward LGBT communities. Zambia, a Christian nation by constitutional declaration, exemplifies how religious nationalism enables the criminalization of homosexuality, described as an unnatural offense punishable by imprisonment. The conclusion demonstrates that religious nationalism not only conflicts with LGBT rights but also fuels social rejection, leading to stigma and legal consequences for LGBT individuals in Zambia.

Fathers' rejection sensitivity: Links with fathers' and children's social information processing

AbstractObjectiveJoining efforts to reveal how fathers affect their children's social competence, we examined whether fathers' rejection sensitivity was associated with biases in their children's social information processing. We also explored whether this link was indirect via biases in fathers' social information processing of their children's peer interactions and, in particular, fathers' behavioral responses.BackgroundChildren's social information processing biases predict their social competence and well‐being. Studies have explored how mothers' rejection sensitivity may impact children's social information processing. Yet, little is known about the role of fathers in this context.MethodParticipants were 85 fathers living in Israel (68.24% Jewish; 31.76% Arab) and their kindergarten children (55.29% female; MChild age in months = 68.70, SD = 5.59). Fathers completed the Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire and reported their attributions, emotions, and likely behaviors in ambiguous hypothetical scenarios that might suggest a rejection of their child by peers using the Peer Rejection Scenarios measure. Children were interviewed using the Social Information Processing Interview–Preschool Version, tapping hypothetical peer interactions.ResultsFathers' rejection sensitivity was indirectly related to children's generation of maladaptive responses to ambiguous peer interactions through fathers' reports of their more negative emotions and overinvolved behavioral responses.ConclusionResults underscore the role of fathers' rejection sensitivity and emotional and behavioral responses in children's social information processing.ImplicationsThe study points to the need to consider paternal rejection sensitivity in research and interventions focused on promoting children's social competence.

The Interactive Effects of Rejection and Rumination on Diurnal Cortisol among Adolescent Girls: A Preliminary Daily Diary Study.

The perseverative cognition hypothesis stipulates that rumination (repetitive, passive, uncontrollable negative thinking) prolongs the experience of a stressor which impacts stress physiology. In line with this hypothesis, we proposed that in response to real-life experiences of social rejection, adolescent girls who ruminate would show a blunted diurnal cortisol slope the next day relative to girls who do not ruminate. We also examined the effects of social rejection and rumination on waking cortisol levels and the cortisol awakening response. Participants were (n = 50) adolescent girls (mean age = 13.30, SD = 2.34) who varied on psychiatric risk and provided saliva samples 4 times a day for 3 days, as well as, daily diary reports of social rejection and rumination. A lagged multilevel model was utilized to examine the interactive effects of rejection and rumination on diurnal cortisol. There was a significant interaction between social rejection and rumination. Specifically, rumination following social rejection was associated with a flatter diurnal cortisol slope. In the absence of rumination, social rejection was marginally associated with a steeper diurnal cortisol slope. The effects for waking cortisol levels and the cortisol awakening response were null. Findings support the perseverative cognition hypothesis and suggest that cognitive mechanisms such as rumination can impact stress physiology.

Investigating the cognitive and affective dynamics of social media addiction: Insights from peer contexts.

Informed by the interaction of person-affect-cognition-execution (I-PACE) theory, the present studies examined the association between peer rejection, peer popularity, and social media addiction (SMA) at both between-person and within-person levels. Two distinct processes, the fear-driven/compensation-seeking process and the reward-driven process were explored. In Study 1, using a cross-sectional sample of high school students (N = 318), both processes were supported via different cognitive mediators. Support for the fear-driven/compensation-seeking process was demonstrated by finding that avoidance expectancy was a significant cognitive mediator between peer-nominated rejection and SMA. In turn, the reward-driven process was supported by the significant mediation of reward expectancy between peer-nominated popularity and SMA. In Study 2, using ecological momentary assessment with college students (N = 54), we found the fear-driven/compensation-seeking process partially supported through both between-person and within-person mediations. Specifically, negative affect and social media craving were two affective mediators that linked peer rejection and addictive social media use behaviors. On the other hand, the reward-driven process was predominantly supported by within-person mediations, in which positive affect and social media craving were found to be mediators of the relationship between peer popularity and addictive social media use behaviors. The results underscore that adolescents experiencing rejection tend to use social media to avoid negative feelings and compensate for interpersonal deficits, while adolescents experiencing popularity tend to use social media to maintain positive feelings and gain social rewards. Implications for the assessment, case formulation, and treatment of SMA in counseling practice are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation in Sexual Minority Adolescents: An Examination of Social Reward Responsiveness and Support as Moderators

Sexual minority (SM) youth are at increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation (SI), due in part to discrimination and other stressors. This raises questions about social factors that may increase risk or resilience to stressors commonly faced by SM youth. The goal of this multimethod study was to examine both neural processing of social feedback and perceived social support as potential moderators of the association between SM identity, depressive symptoms, and endorsement of SI in adolescents. For this study, 165 adolescents aged 14-17 (22.42% identifying as SM) were oversampled for current depression. Participants self-reported social support, depressive symptoms, and SI. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded while participants completed a computerized peer interaction task in which the reward positivity (RewP) component was measured in response to social acceptance vs. rejection feedback. We tested social RewP and social support as moderators of associations between SM identity, depressive symptoms, and whether SI was reported. SM youth reported lower social support and elevated depressive symptoms and were more likely to endorse SI compared to non-SM youth. Social RewP moderated the associations between SM identity, depressive symptoms, and SI such that SM youth with blunted neural responses to social acceptance had higher depression and were more likely to endorse SI. Lower social support was associated with greater depressive symptoms and SI, but social support was not a significant moderator of the association between SM identity and symptoms. This is among the first studies to use affective neuroscience methods to examine social processes in SGM youth and our findings underscore the role of social factors in SGM youth mental health.

Behavioral development in the Shadow of child Neglect: The roles of resilience and peer rejection

Child neglect, a pervasive issue impacting numerous children globally, directly correlates with poorer behavioral outcomes. Drawing on data from 1043 middle and high school students in Jiangsu Province, this study investigates the impact of child neglect on the behavioral development of children in rural China. The stress process model was employed to examine the mediating roles of resilience and peer rejection, with gender as a moderator. Findings reveal that child neglect directly correlates with poorer behavioral development, with resilience and peer rejection serving as significant mediators in this relationship. The analysis further reveals that the effect of resilience on behavioral development is moderated by gender, being more pronounced in boys. By integrating the stress process model, this study enriches the theoretical discourse on child neglect and provides empirical evidence from a neglected demographic, emphasizing the need for nuanced, gender-specific policy and practice interventions. These insights underscore the necessity for targeted interventions that consider the unique challenges posed by child neglect, advocating for strategies that enhance resilience and effectively manage peer relationships.

Burn injury and fear of rejection: A qualitative study

IntroductionOne of the most important duties of the members of the treatment team is to pay attention to the mental, psychological, and social aspects of burn patients. One of the concerns of these patients during their stay in the hospital is the fear of rejection. The objective of this research is to examine the concept of 'fear of rejection' among patients hospitalized with burn injuries. MethodThis study was conducted between January 2023 and March 2024 in Hamadan, Iran, employing a qualitative content-analysis approach. The study enrolled sixteen patients, and data were collected through deep and semi-structured interviews. The data were then analyzed using the conventional content-analysis approach developed by Graneheim and Lundman. ResultsA group of 16 patients, comprising an equal number of men and women, were interviewed for this study. Based on the data obtained from these interviews, negative brainstorming, frustration, fear of permanent physical disabilities, occupational and financial challenges were identified as categories; visualization of a foggy future and inability in performance of roles emerged as the two themes. ConclusionBased on the results of this study, it can be said that the fear of social rejection, characterized by an inability to perform roles and the visualization of a foggy future, significantly affects the psychological and physical health of burn patients, potentially delaying their recovery. Assisting these patients in reaching their fullest potential to contribute to society post-discharge, and fostering optimism for a promising future, constitute a paramount aspect of daily care and ongoing support.

Neuroimaging markers of phenomena of perceived stigmatization in people with and without mental disorders: a systematic scoping-review

Summary. Along with traditional research on psychiatric stigma, there has recently been increasing interest in the neurobiological factors associated with stigmatization.Aim: to study the most common research methods in the studies of the neurobiological correlates of stigmatization phenomenon and its components, as well as to systematize their results, taking into account their methodological limitations.Materials and Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR extension. Studies were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO using the Ovid platform. After evaluating 2358 articles according to inclusion, non-inclusion, and exclusion criteria, 20 articles were included in the final analysis.Results: The most of the studies were conducted on samples of healthy respondents without a control group (14 articles). The mean age of respondents ranged from 18.8 [1.0] to 42.7 [14.7] years. Psychiatric stigma was studied in 2 studies; in the remaining articles, various components of stigma were studied, among which social rejection sensitivity was most often studied (13 articles). Among fMRI paradigm the Cyberball social exclusion task was used more often (10 articles). Changes in neural activity, correlating with the severity of stigma and its constituent constructs, were found in the anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, insula, thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, ventral region of the striatum, putamen, amygdala.Conclusion: Functional magnetic resonance studies can be an effective tool for verifying and assessing the dynamics of the psychological state of people experiencing the phenomenon of stigmatization.

Effects of Moral Claims on Charitable Support for the Stigmatized

ABSTRACT In this research, we examine the extent to which charitable support for the stigmatized can be enhanced by a moral claim, which occurs when a stigmatized person is attributed an unselfish (versus self-interested) motive for a socially desirable behavior. We find that prospective donors infer a more positive morality when a moral claim is made about a stigmatized person in need, which leads to a greater willingness to provide them with charitable support. The effect does not occur when the same moral claim is made for a person in equivalent need who is accepted or honored in society. We find that moral claims are effective when based on unsubstantiated statements about a mentally ill person’s morality (Study 1), when a drug thief volunteers to help flood victims, rather than helps them as part of her employment (Study 2), and when a homeless criminal returns a lost wallet to do the right thing, rather than to receive a reward (Study 3). The research contributes to our understanding of the role of moral judgments that lead to social rejection and provides insights into how the negative stereotypes that affect the stigmatized can be changed.

Association between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms in adolescents during the post COVID-19 pandemic: the mediating role of social peer rejection

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the associations of childhood trauma and its facets with depressive symptoms in depressed adolescents during the post COVID-19 epidemic, and explore the potential mediating role of social peer rejection in these associations. A total of 413 adolescents with depressive disorders completed the Chinese version of the Child Trauma Questionnaire Short Form, the Social Peer Rejection, and the Children’s Depression Inventory. Childhood trauma (β = 0.42, p < 0.01) and social peer rejection (β = 0.18, p < 0.01) were positively related to depressive symptoms, after adjustment for demographic factors. Furthermore, social peer rejection partly mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms, and the mediation effect ratio was 17.0% (p < 0.001). This study found that childhood trauma and social peer rejection are both risk factors for depressive symptoms, and social peer rejection played a mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms.

Psychosocial Issues Related to Speech and Hearing in Patients With Clefts.

Individuals with cleft lip and palate often face persistent challenges related to speech and hearing disorders, impacting various aspects of their lives. These challenges can lead to additional mental health issues such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression, as well as heightened psychosocial challenges, including appearance-related issues, bullying, workplace discrimination, and impaired social interactions. Children and adolescents with these disorders commonly experience loneliness, peer rejection, and challenges in forming friendships, particularly during adolescence, while voice disorders can diminish the quality of life in older individuals. This case study focuses on a 17-year-old male with unilateral cleft lip and palate undergoing treatment in Medellin, Colombia, aiming to provide insights into the intricate psychosocial challenges linked to speech and hearing difficulties in individuals with cleft conditions. Clinical evaluations identified significant challenges concerning speech difficulties and self-perception, influenced by the patient's cleft condition, which impacts his self-esteem, confidence, and social skills development. The interconnectedness between speech and hearing challenges underscores the necessity for comprehensive care to address the multifaceted psychosocial aspects experienced by individuals with cleft conditions. This case study used as an example, indicates that speech difficulties and psychosocial challenges related to cleft conditions are experienced from childhood and may persist into adulthood. These challenges can have profound effects on various aspects of life, including school, social interactions, family dynamics, and even romantic relationships. Consequently, the lack of confidence, social isolation, and limited social skills may delay patients from reaching their fullest potential.

Risk Factors Affecting the Psychological Resilience of Adolescents in Institutional Care: A Systematic Review.

Psychological resilience is defined as the resilience capacity and the power to recover in the face of stressful life events. Adolescents in institutional care have different individual, familial, and environmental risk factors that negatively affect their psychological resilience. This study aimed to comparatively examine studies that detect the risk factors affecting the resilience of adolescents living in institutional care and make recommendations regarding initiatives or specific outcomes related to this. This study systematically reviewed national and international literature databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Medline, CINAHL, EBSCO host, Psychinfo, Cochrane Library, Turkish Ulakbim, Turkish Medical Directory, and Turkish Psychiatry Directory up to December 2021. Fourteen studies were included in this study. Many significant risk factors, such as adolescents' interpersonal relationships, self-confidence, self-esteem, self-efficacy levels, problem-solving skills, empathy skills, as well as parental abandonment, domestic violence, socioeconomic poverty, a history of abuse, peer rejection, lack of social support resources, and low academic performance, have been identified and discussed at individual, familial, and environmental levels. Adolescents in institutional care were more vulnerable and had more mental and behavioral problems than their peers. This systematic review found no studies evaluating preventive programs, interventions, or interventions designed to reduce the frequency and prevalence of future adverse events for children growing up in institutional care settings. Recommends the comprehensive inclusion and evaluation of preventive programs, practices, and assessments aimed at reducing the frequency and prevalence of risk factors affecting resilience.

An Analysis on Caste Practices and the Vulnerabilities Faced by Burial Ground Workers in Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a state combined with multi-religious, multi-ethnic and inequality. Formally, Caste is being an indispensable part of cremation process. Whether it is traditional or new techniques it all based on the caste practices followed by each community. The aim of the study is to analysis the caste practices and the vulnerabilities faced by cremation ground workers. It deals with the burying process and preparation of crematorium. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the status and caste differences faced by the crematorium workers in Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. The objectives of the Study have discussed to study the discrimination faced by burial ground workers. To analysis the impact of discrimination and the status of crematory workers. To Enact an inclusive policy to build up the marginalized cremation workforce in Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. Result of the study implementing the policy measures to create a more inclusive, social and economic equality for the burial ground workers, addressing longstanding gender and caste disparities. These policies aim to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for burial ground workers by addressing gender and caste disparities. Formalizing employment, enacting anti-discrimination laws, and ensuring job security will offer stability and recognition for those in this essential industry, fostering social justice and equality. Findings of the study on Caste intersects with class, gender, and religion, creating complex layers of discrimination that particularly affect burial ground workers, who often face social stigma and marginalization. Predominantly from lower caste, these workers endure systemic discrimination, low wages, job insecurity, and significant occupational hazards, such as exposure to pathogens and harsh working conditions, all while playing a crucial role in public health and the execution of cultural and religious rituals. Living in segregated communities, their families experience social ostracism and limited access to essential services, yet they demonstrate resilience through community solidarity, with local organizations advocating for their rights and improved conditions. Conclusion of the study have the caste system's deep-rooted influence continues to affect Indian society, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts toward social justice. Burial ground workers play a critical, yet often overlooked, role, facing social stigma and poor working conditions. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal, social, and economic interventions. Recognizing their contributions and vulnerabilities has been essential for fostering greater inclusivity and equality in the society. This study emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and supporting these workers to promote social progress.

The role of changes in peer victimization from elementary to high school and autonomic reactivity on adolescent reactive aggression.

The goals of the present study were to investigate links between changes in peer victimization from elementary to high school and adolescent reactive aggression (Goal 1), whether heightened autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactivity to social and nonsocial stress increases risk for adolescent reactive aggression (Goal 2), and whether increased ANS reactivity strengthens the association between changes in victimization and adolescent reactive aggression (Goal 3). Participants included 145 adolescents (Mage = 16; 54% female; 76% European American, 13% African American, 11% Latino American, 7% Asian American, 5% of mixed race or ethnicity; 60% with family incomes of $100,000 or greater). We collected self-report data in elementary (Time 1 [T1]); (Time 2 [T2]); middle (Time 3 [T3]); and high school (Time 4 [T4]) to assess victimization. At T4, we measured self-reported reactive and proactive aggression, and ANS reactivity (preejection period [PEP], respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]) to peer rejection and nonsocial frustration. More positive victimization slope over time (meaning both less decreasing slopes and increasing slopes) predicted greater adolescent reactive, but not proactive aggression (Goal 1). Greater RSA augmentation to peer rejection and more PEP reactivity to nonsocial frustration predicted more reactive, but not proactive aggression (Goal 2). The link between victimization slope and reactive aggression emerged only for adolescents exhibiting RSA augmentation to peer rejection (marginal; Goal 3). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).