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The role of group size in reactions to ostracism and inclusion
Tobin, Stephanie McDermott, Sarah French, Luke
Tobin, Stephanie
McDermott, Sarah
French, Luke
Author
Tobin, Stephanie
McDermott, Sarah
French, Luke
McDermott, Sarah
French, Luke
Abstract
Three experiments examined the effects of group size on reactions to ostracism and inclusion. Participants engaged in an online introduction activity with 2 or 6 other people and received likes from everyone (inclusion) or no one (ostracism). In Studies 1 and 2, group size had a significant effect on need satisfaction only when participants were ostracized, with larger groups threatening needs to a greater extent. These effects were evident during and immediately after the task, but not after a reflection period and delay. In Study 3, being ostracized by a larger group increased sadness and anger only when ostracism was public. Together, these results indicate that people react more negatively to ostracism by larger groups, but do not reap greater benefits in terms of need satisfaction or affect when included by larger groups. Implications for the ostracism literature and social media use are discussed.
Keywords
belonging, group size, ostracism
Date
2017
Type
Journal article
Journal
Group Processes and Intergroup Relations
Book
Volume
21
Issue
7
Page Range
1014-1033
Article Number
ACU Department
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled