WHO TO TELL?: EFFECTS OF EXCLUSION AND GROUP IDENTIFICATION ON RESPONSES TO GROUP-DIRECTED CRITICISM

Abstract

Past research has shown that individuals’ group identification influences their responses to group-directed criticism under contexts where they perceive it as a threat to the value of the group. Social exclusion is examined in the present study as a context where individuals perceive group-directed criticism as value-threat. We hypothesized that group identification would moderate the effects of social exclusion on responses to group-directed criticism. Specifically, we predicted that high identifiers would be more positive toward group-directed criticism when excluded compared to controls, while low identifiers would be less positive toward group-directed criticism when excluded compared to controls. Social exclusion was manipulated by having participants write about either an experience of social exclusion or physical distress. Group identification was measured. Next, participants were presented with group-directed criticism and asked to evaluate the critic and their criticism. Results partially supported the hypothesis. As predicted, high identifiers who were excluded gave more positive evaluations compared to controls. Contrary to predictions, low identifiers who were excluded gave similar evaluations compared to controls. The present findings highlight the utility of examining recipient-related factors in the context of group-directed criticism. Implications for the communication of group-directed criticism and future directions are discussed.