The psychological effects of ostracism following traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: 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. Research design: A within-subject, fixed order design was used. The two conditions were ostracism and inclusion. Methods and procedures: 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. Main outcomes and results: 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. Conclusions: 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.