The Effect of Intergroup Ostracism on Identity and Affective Responses: Exploring the Role of Perceived Discrimination

Objectives: While the effects of interindividual ostracism have been widely studied, the effects of intergroup ostracism have received less attention. In this study, we are interested in the consequences of intergroup ostracism on perceived discrimination, identity responses and well-being. Method: A total of 110 participants in psychology were randomly assigned to three ostracism experiences. Participants either shared ostracism with an ingroup member, with an outgroup member, or did not share ostracism. Results: The results show that ostracism, whether shared or not, increases identification but does not increase perceived entitativity of the group. The results also show that when ostracism is shared with an outgroup member-the condition with less perceived discrimination-participants indicate more psychological need satisfaction. Discussion: Taken together, these results shed light the importance of considering attributions to discrimination in the phenomenon of ostracism. Highlights and Implications * Participants who attribute ostracism to discrimination display less psychological need satisfaction than participants who perceived less discrimination. * Sharing ostracism (i.e., as a coexperience) did not moderate identity responses as well as psychological need satisfaction. * This study highlights the importance of considering perceived discrimination during ostracism even among nonstigmatized groups.