Psychology Honors Research

 

Understanding Social Exclusion: Hormones, Narcissism, and Individual Differences

by Matthew Scalco

In the past decade, research on ostracism, social exclusion, and rejection has increased in part due to the rise in school shootings across the United States.  In some cases, ostracism leads to increased aggression and antisocial behavior; however, in other cases, ostracized participants show eagerness for social interaction.  The contexts within which these different reactions to ostracism occur are still relatively unknown.  Furthermore, very little research has investigated the hormonal aspects of ostracism. We will examine the relationship between cortisol and testosterone levels and ostracism.  After ostracism is induced, participants will be given a choice of engaging in antisocial, pro-social, or aggressive behavior. The researchers predict that hormone interactions at baseline and after social exclusion will be the best predictors of choice post-ostracism.