`They Don't Like Our Kind': Consequences of Being Ostracized While Possessing a Group Membership

Individuals are ostracized nearly on a daily basis, which thwarts the satisfaction of fundamental needs and is painful (Williams, 2007). While facing prejudice or discrimination, possessing a group membership can be self-protective (Crocker & Major, 1989) or harmful, depending on group identification (Schmitt & Branscombe, 2002a). How will individuals react to ostracism when a group membership attribution is available? Participants were ostracized or included during Cyberball, a virtual online ball-tossing game, while possessing a temporary, permanent, or no group membership. Participants reported need satisfaction and mood during the game and after a short delay to assess recovery. Initially, ostracized participants felt equally distressed. Possessing a permanent group membership resulted in slower recovery compared to possessing a temporary group membership.