Alone and without purpose: Life loses meaning following social exclusion

Tyler F. Stillman, Roy F. Baumeister, Nathaniel M. Lambert, A. Will Crescioni, C. Nathan DeWall, Frank D. Fincham

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

368 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)686-694
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology
Volume45
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2009

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The present research was supported by Grant MH65559 from the National Institutes of Health.

Funding

The present research was supported by Grant MH65559 from the National Institutes of Health.

FundersFunder number
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and AlcoholismRL1AA017541

    Keywords

    • Meaning
    • Ostracism
    • Social rejection

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Social Psychology
    • Sociology and Political Science

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