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The “scars” left on children by Exclusion, but Re-inclusion may “heal up”
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  • Linlin Yan,
  • Jun Zheng,
  • Wenlu Liu,
  • Pin Qian
Linlin Yan
Zhejiang Sci-Tech University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Jun Zheng
Zhejiang Sci-Tech University
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Wenlu Liu
Zhejiang Sci-Tech University
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Pin Qian
Zhejiang Sci-Tech University
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Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated the negative impacts of ostracism on primary needs and moods, particularly children and adolescents. Given children’s early exposure to the Internet, online ostracism could potentially affect their primary needs and moods at an earlier age. To investigate this, the present study utilized the Cyberball paradigm to manipulate the exclusion and re-inclusion and examined the threats to primary needs (sense of belonging, self-esteem, control, meaningful existence) and emotions (happiness, sadness, anger) in school-aged children (163 children aged 6-8, 8-10, and 10-11) following social exclusion and subsequent inclusion. The findings revealed that the threats to the four primary needs due to ostracism began to emerge around the age of 8-10 years and persisted until the age of 10-12 years. Regarding moods, the negative effects of ostracism appeared from the age of 6-8 years and worsened with age. This suggests the existence of a critical period during which ostracism poses a threat to children’s primary needs and has adverse effects on their moods. Moreover, the study demonstrated that brief inclusion following exclusion effectively restores the primary needs and moods of ostracized children. These findings provide insights into how to support children in recovering from the negative effects of ostracism.
18 Sep 2023Submitted to Infant and Child Development: prenatal, childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood
19 Sep 2023Submission Checks Completed
19 Sep 2023Assigned to Editor
26 Sep 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
13 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Mar 20241st Revision Received