In:
Perspectives on Psychological Science, SAGE Publications, Vol. 4, No. 5 ( 2009-09), p. 468-488
Abstract:
This article presents the first meta-analysis of experimental research on rejection, sampling 88 studies. The results are consistent with a needs account, which states that rejection frustrates basic psychological needs, but not with a numbness account, which states that rejection causes physical and emotional numbness. Rejection moderately lowers mood (d = −0.50) and self-esteem (d = −0.70), but does not decrease arousal or flatten affect. Both belonging (d = 0.69) and control (d = 1.16) are frustrated by rejection. Aggressive responses to rejection, considered paradoxical by some, appear to be due to attempts to gain control; measures that contrast belonging and control (d = −1.17) cause antisocial responding, whereas measures that do not allow for control to be restored cause prosocial responding (d = 1.21). These findings suggest that rejection makes individuals feel bad—ready to act to restore control or belonging—and that they will prioritize restoring control even if it requires being antisocial.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1745-6916
,
1745-6924
DOI:
10.1111/j.1745-6924.2009.01158.x
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2224911-4
SSG:
5,2
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