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On-line ostracism affects children differently from adolescents and adults

Abrams, Dominic, Weick, Mario, Thomas, Dominique, Colbe, Hazel, Franklin, Keith M. (2011) On-line ostracism affects children differently from adolescents and adults. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 29 (1). pp. 110-123. (doi:10.1348/026151010X494089) (KAR id:27493)

Abstract

This research examines adults’, and for the first time, children’s and adolescents’ reaction to being ostracised and included, using an on-line game, ‘Cyberball’ with same and opposite sex players. Ostracism strongly threatened four primary needs (esteem, belonging, meaning and control) and lowered mood among 8-9-year olds, 13-14-year-olds, and adults. However, it did so in different ways. Ostracism threatened self-esteem needs more among 8-9-year–olds than older participants. Among 13-14-year-olds, ostracism threatened belonging more than other needs. Belonging was threatened most when ostracism was participants’ first experience in the game. Moreover, when participants had been included beforehand, ostracism threatened meaning needs most strongly. Gender of other players had no effect. Practical and developmental implications for social inclusion and on-line experiences among children and young people are discussed.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1348/026151010X494089
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Mario Weick
Date Deposited: 15 Mar 2011 17:16 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:05 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/27493 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Abrams, Dominic.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2113-4572
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Weick, Mario.

Creator's ORCID:
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