The psychological effects of ostracism following traumatic brain injury

This study examines the psychological effects of ostracism. It was predicted that adults with brain injury would have an attenuated response to an acute experience of ostracism.

A within-subject, fixed order design was used. The two conditions were ostracism and inclusion.

A group of 20 adults with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) were compared with a group of 19 matched control participants. Both groups participated in a pseudo online ball tossing game, Cyberball. On one occasion they were excluded from the game and on the following occasion they were included fairly. Following each game they completed a self-report questionnaire about their experience.

Persons with brain injury self-reported negative psychological effects of ostracism including a lower sense of belonging, self-esteem and meaningful existence, however, were affected to a lesser degree than control participants [F(1,37) = 5.39, p = 0.026]. Persons with brain injury also reported that their feelings were hurt to a lesser extent than did control participants, t(37) = 2.10, p = 0.04.

These results are discussed in terms of the role of the negative experience of ostracism in motivating and guiding behaviour to re-establish group membership to prevent future social isolation.