Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological effects of social ostracism in group settings, particularly in relation to social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) and the need to belong (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). Collective self-esteem, hostility, and belonging were examined to see if they changed significantly with the implementation of ostracism through the Cyberball paradigm (Williams, 2000). The relationship between ostracism, hostility, and religious fundamentalism was also explored. Though insignificant results from subsequent analysis were obtained, these results suggest weaker ostracism effects for interpersonal measures rather than intrapersonal measures consistent with findings by Hartgerink et al. (2015). This line of evidence goes against approaching ostracism from a social identity perspective (Tajfel & Turner, 1979). Additionally, subsequent analysis revealed an interaction between conditions suggesting that inclusion by outgroup members leads to an increase in religious fundamentalism as opposed to exclusion by outgroup members. Threats to social identity, study validity, and the utilization of falsified personality forms are discussed in an effort to examine ingroup versus outgroup religious based ostracism.

Year manuscript completed

2025

Year degree awarded

2025

Author's Keywords

Cyberball, Ostracism, Social Identity Theory, Need to Belong, Religious Fundamentalism, Hostility

Degree Awarded

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

College/School

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Thesis Advisor

Jana Hackathorn

Committee Chair

Jana Hackathorn

Committee Member

Daniel Wann

Committee Member

Patrick Cushen

Committee Member

Brian Clardy

Committee Member

Jana Hackathorn

Document Type

Thesis

Additional Files
Out of the Circle.pdf (1094 kB)
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