During this week's episode, Mike and Elizabeth discuss a unique study in which, over the course of a week, 5 co authors agreed to be ostracized by the other 4, each for 1 day. The authors documented their experiences of being targets and perpetrators. Despite foreknowledge and consent, the co authors reported feeling rejected, confused and guilty. Their work and personal relationships were strained. The authors advise that, while the project was an important contribution to the field (specifically the psychology of ostracism), future research be undertaken with caution. Mike and Elizabeth agree. Ostracism is so powerful that even obvious and orchestrated simulations have the potential for serious negative outcomes for individuals and groups.
Reference:
Williams, K. D., Bernieri, F. J., Faulkner, S. L., Gada-Jain, N., & Grahe, J. E. (2000). The Scarlet Letter Study: Five Days of Social Ostracism. Journal of Personal & Interpersonal Loss, 5(1), 19–63.