Cited by 352Death Anxiety and Social ExclusionBullying, Victimization, and AggressionSocial and Intergroup Psychology

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Motivations for prevention or promotion following social exclusion: being rejected versus being ignored

Molden, Daniel C., Lucas, Gale M., Gardner, Wendi L., Dean, Kristy, Knowles, Megan L.·2009·Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

DOI 10.1037/a0012958

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Abstract

Social exclusion evokes powerful motivations and emotions. The present studies examined how these motivations and emotions might differ following exclusion that is explicit, active, and direct (i.e., when one is rejected) versus implicit, passive, and indirect (i.e., when one is ignored). It was hypothesized that being rejected should produce a sense of social loss and lead to more prevention-focused responses, including withdrawal from social contact, thoughts about actions one should not have taken, and increased feelings of agitation. In contrast, being ignored should produce a sense of failure to achieve social gain and lead to more promotion-focused responses, including reengagement in social contact, thoughts about actions one should have taken, and increased feelings of dejection. These hypotheses were supported across 4 studies in which people recalled or underwent experiences of being rejected or ignored. Past research on active versus passive exclusion is reexamined and found to be consistent with these hypotheses as well.

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Authors: Molden, D. C., Lucas, G. M., Gardner, W. L., Dean, K., & Knowles, M. L.
Affiliations: Northwestern University (US)
University of Georgia (US)
ORCID: Molden, Daniel C.
Lucas, Gale M.
Gardner, Wendi L.
Dean, Kristy
Knowles, Megan L.
Venue: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 2009-02
Volume: 96
Issue: 2
Pages: 415-431
ISSN: 0022-3514 (ISSN-L)
1939-1315
DOI: 10.1037/a0012958
OpenAlex: W2158079757
Cited by: 352
References: 74
Citations by year: 2026: 23 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 30 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 27 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 23 · 2019: 32 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 18 · 2016: 21 · 2015: 27 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 16 · 2012: 10
FWCI: 16.91
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Intergroup Psychology
Keywords: social exclusion, rejection, prevention motivation, social loss, social benefits, social withdrawal, agitation, dejection
MeSH terms: Adolescent, Anxiety, Female, Humans, Male, Motivation, Surveys and Questionnaires, Rejection, Psychology, Social Alienation, Social Perception, Thinking, Young Adult

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Motivations for prevention or promotion following social exclusion: being rejected versus being ignored

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