Does Chronic Victimization Lead To A Rejection Attribution Bias?

This study examined the influence of chronic victimization on social pain reactions. This influence is referred to as the rejection attribution bias, measured via self-reports of feeling excluded, threatened needs, and neurological activity in the right prefrontal cortex (RPFC) after ostracism. Participants (N = 189) completed an online survey containing personality and victimization measures. They were then offered the opportunity to complete a second phase in the lab, which involved collection of EEG data before and during an online ball-tossing manipulation (Cyberball), and measures to assess affective responses to exclusion. Results support the RAB model, with victimized participants reporting greater threatened needs and distress, particularly in an ambiguous situation. Furthermore, activity in the RPFC was decreased in response to social pain as expected. Moderating effects of the need to belong and mediating effects of rejection sensitivity were also examined, with results partially supporting the theoretical model.