Strides for belonging trump strides for superiority: Effects of being ostracized for being superior or inferior to the others

Abstract

Ostracism-to ignore and exclude-is a painful experience for the target, and it happens to both superior and inferior performing group members. Across three studies, manipulations of status (superiority or inferiority compared to other group members) and inclusionary status (ranging from over-inclusion to ostracism) were manipulated. In Study 1 participants provided perceived measures for targets being observed. In Study 2 participants measured their direct experience. In Study 3 measures were collected at two time points (immediate and delayed). Our results indicate that being superior or inferior matters little when individuals are ostracized: Performing better than other group members does not serve as a buffer for ostracism, nor does performing worse than other group members intensify ostracism's effects.