Waldeck, D., Bissell, G., & Tyndall, I. (2020). Experiential avoidance as a moderator for coping with a brief episode of ostracism: A pilot study. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 17, 68-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2020.06.002
The present paper examined whether experiential avoidance (EA) was a potential moderator of recovery from the short-term effects of ostracism. Forty University students completed a measure of EA and were either included or excluded in an online-ball tossing game (Cyberball). Participants then reported need-satisfaction immediately following the game and after a filler task. The results show that being ostracized affected both groups at the immediate (reflexive) stage of the Temporal Needs Threat Model, and that those low in EA recovered their psychological needs of belonging, self-esteem, and meaningful existence (but not control) faster (i.e., after a delay) than those high in EA. Overall, this study provides tentative preliminary experimental evidence that demonstrates that EA may moderate the short-term effects of ostracism. Implications of the present study suggest that decreasing levels of EA may help individuals cope with events of ostracism, but further research is needed to replicate this effect.
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