Developmental trajectory of ostracism during the transition to college: The role of the five-factor model traits

This study aims to examine the developmental trajectory of the ostracism of freshman and the role of the Five-Factor Model traits during the transition to college. A total of 977 freshmen (270 males, 707 females) from a college in Guizhou Province, China, were followed up once a month for a total of 4 assessments. The unconditional latent growth model showed that the ostracism of freshmen declined linearly during the transition to college. The conditional latent growth model showed that neuroticism significantly positively predicted the intercept and slope of ostracism. Agreeableness, extraversion and openness significantly negatively predicted the intercept of ostracism, while conscientiousness did not predict the intercept. Agreeableness and conscientiousness negatively predicted the slope of ostracism, while extraversion and openness had no predictive effects. Overall, the unconditional latent growth model provides the first empirical support for the changes in ostracism proposed in the temporal need-threat model and the integrated model of workplace ostracism. Additionally, this study is the first to explore the role of Five-Factor Model traits in the dynamics of ostracism. •Ostracism decreased linearly across 4 waves during the transition to college.•Lower neuroticism predicted a lower initial level of ostracism.•Lower neuroticism predicted a steeper decline in ostracism.•High agreeableness, extraversion, and openness reduced the initial ostracism.•Higher conscientiousness and agreeableness predicted steeper declines in ostracism.