On Being Rejected: A Meta-Analysis of Experimental Research on Rejection
Jonathan Gerber1, Ladd Wheeler2
1Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia jgerber@psy.mq.edu.au.
Summary
Rejection frustrates psychological needs for belonging and control, impacting mood and self-esteem. Individuals may act antisocially to regain control after experiencing rejection.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Psychological Science
Background:
- Rejection is a common human experience with significant psychological consequences.
- Existing theories propose either a "needs account" or a "numbness account" for rejection's effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first meta-analysis of experimental research on the psychological effects of social rejection.
- To test the predictions of the needs account versus the numbness account of rejection.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of 88 experimental studies on social rejection.
- Analysis of effects on mood, self-esteem, arousal, affect, belonging, and control.
- Examination of responses to rejection, including antisocial and prosocial behaviors.
Main Results:
- Rejection significantly lowers mood (d = -0.50) and self-esteem (d = -0.70).
- Rejection frustrates the basic psychological needs for belonging (d = 0.69) and control (d = 1.16).
- Aggressive responses to rejection are linked to attempts to restore control, with antisocial responses occurring when control cannot be restored.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the needs account, indicating rejection frustrates fundamental psychological needs.
- Rejection does not lead to emotional numbness, contrary to the numbness account.
- Individuals prioritize restoring control after rejection, even if it leads to antisocial behavior.
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