Motivated ostracism and aggressive behavior: Effect of dehumanization and locus of control

Abstract

Ostracism may lead sources, those who initiate it, to exhibit more aggressive behavior, creating a downward spiral. However, little is known about the underlying reasons for this pattern and how to prevent this harmful effect. In the current research, we conducted 4 behavioral experiments and 1 longitudinal survey in three studies among Chinese college students. Study 1 (a behavioral experiment) showed that the motivated ostracism group was more aggressive toward the targets than the inclusion group. Study 2a (a behavioral experiment) found that dehumanization fully mediates the ostracism-aggression link. Study 2b further confirmed the causal relationship between dehumanization and aggression by manipulating dehumanization. Study 2c (a longitudinal survey) further confirmed the positive relationship between motivated ostracism and aggressive behavior in daily life. However, the study did not find a significant mediating effect of dehumanization toward generalized others on this relationship. Study 3 (a behavioral experiment) found that those with an external locus of control exhibited greater dehumanization and, indirectly, more aggression after ostracism. These findings demonstrate that dehumanization drives the link between ostracism and aggression while also highlighting the effectiveness of interventions that enhance an internal locus of control in mitigating dehumanization and disrupting the ostracism-aggression cycle.