Hurt people hurt people: ostracism and aggression

Abstract

Because ostracism hurts, it can trigger aggression. Guided by the theoretical framework of the temporal need-threat model of ostracism, we review the existing research that investigates this ostracism-aggression link over the last two decades. Both correlational and experimental research have provided substantial support for the model's prediction that ostracism may instigate aggression. Recent research continues to investigate why this occurs, and who is most likely to become aggressive when ostracized. A new and exciting body of literature emerges, which seeks to inform interventions for coping with ostracism and for reducing ostracism-related aggression.