Alone and Without Purpose: Life Loses Meaning Following Social Exclusion

Overview

Journal J Exp Soc Psychol

Date 2010 Feb 18

PMID 20161218

Citations 76

Authors

Tyler F Stillman

Roy F Baumeister

Nathaniel M Lambert

A Will Crescioni

C Nathan DeWall

Frank D Fincham

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Four studies (N = 643) supported the hypothesis that social exclusion would reduce the global perception of life as meaningful. Social exclusion was manipulated experimentally by having a confederate refuse to meet participants after seeing their videotaped introduction (Study 1) and by ostracizing participants in a computerized ball-tossing game (Study 2). Compared to control condition and acceptance conditions, social exclusion led to perceiving life as less meaningful. Exclusion was also operationalized as self-reported loneliness, which was a better predictor of low meaning than other potent variables (Study 3). Study 4 found support for Baumeister's model of meaning (1991), by demonstrating that the effect of exclusion on meaning was mediated by purpose, value, and positive self-worth.

Citing Articles

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