Neural and Behavioral Effects of Being Socially Excluded by the Targets of a Witnessed Social Exclusion

The consequences of social exclusion can be extremely detrimental to physical and emotional well-being; ranging from mild distress to extreme violence and aggression. Therefore, a greater understanding of the factors that determine these responses to social exclusion is of utmost importance. Accordingly, this study will examine the association between witnessing and experiencing social exclusion using both neural and behavioral measures. Neural activity will be collected while participants watch a computerized game of catch (Cyberball) in which two of the players are either included or excluded. Then, the participants will play Cyberball with the previous targets of the exclusion/inclusion and will then be either included or excluded themselves. It is predicted that exclusion-related neural activity will be decreased for the excluded participants who witnessed social exclusion previously as they will have mentally prepared for exclusion while watching others be excluded.