Distinct neurocognitive pathways underlying the effects of ostracism and social rejection on visual...

Social exclusion, including ostracism (being ignored) and social rejection (direct negative feedback), exerts different effects on visual perspective-taking (VPT). However, existing theories and empirical studies have failed to adequately explain these differences, with the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms remaining unclear. This study compared the behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) effects of ostracism (Cyberball game) and social rejection (modified get-acquainted paradigm) on VPT, quantifying three ERP components: fronto-central N200, centro-parietal P300 and temporo-parietal LSW, which reflect general conflict monitoring, conflict execution and sustained information integration, and specifically index self-other perspective conflict detection, perspective transformation resource investment and non-egocentric perspective maintenance in VPT respectively. Results showed the social rejection group had higher negative affect, reduced high-conflict VPT accuracy, larger N200 amplitudes and attenuated P300/LSW amplitudes (especially in the other-inconsistent condition), while the ostracism group exhibited slower VPT reaction times without accuracy loss or significant ERP attenuation. These findings indicate social rejection impairs VPT by heightening conflict monitoring, while ostracism affects VPT via cognitive deconstruction and processing slowing, two distinct pathways aligning with integrated theoretical interpretations. This study clarifies the need to distinguish ostracism and social rejection in social cognition research and provides neurocognitive evidence for VPT deficits after social exclusion.