Abstract

Drawing from the temporal need-threat theory of ostracism (Williams, 2009), and uncertainty-identity theory (Hogg, 2007), I tested the hypothesis that ostracism increases interest in extreme groups. In a cross-sectional survey, Study 1 showed that chronic ostracism positively predicts interest in the Westboro Baptist Church, Mormonism, Scientology, and Alcoholics Anonymous. Study 2 established causal direction; relative to included participants, ostracized participants expressed greater willingness to attend a meeting of an extreme group following a recruitment attempt. Expressing a desire to attend meetings facilitated recovery of basic need satisfaction. Ostracism also induced self-uncertainty, but this did not mediate the effect. In an attempted replication involving no interpersonal contact, Study 3 failed to show differences in group interest as a function of ostracism. Studies 1 and 2 suggest that ostracism increases vulnerability to extreme group recruitment, and Study 3's failed results suggest that prior contact with a group member is a boundary condition.

Keywords

Psychology, Extreme groups, Ostracism, Uncertainty identity theory

Disciplines

Social Psychology

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychological Sciences

First Advisor

Kipling D. Williams

Committee Member 1

William G. Graziano

Committee Member 2

Janice R. Kelly

Date of Award

Spring 2014

Download

Share

COinS