A programmatic series of 12 studies (including 8 experiments, 3 correlational studies, and one archival study) tests the hypothesis that feeling excluded and/or cut off from close relationships leads to negative consequences for the self and others: detrimental social behavior (increased antisocial behavior and decreased prosocial behavior) and self-defeating acts, both in the laboratory and in the society at large. These predictions are based on the theory that the need to belong is a fundamental human motivation (Baumeister and Leary, 1995). Studies 1-5 examine how three laboratory manipulations of belongingness and two questionnaire measures influence antisocial versus prosocial behavior (cheating, cooperation, aggression, and helping). Studies 6-10 use the same manipulations and measures to study the connection between belongingness and self-defeating acts (failure to persevere, risk-taking, refusing health information, and binge eating). Study 11 aims to discover which personality types react to impaired belongingness with anger versus anxiety. Study 12 attempts to find the belongingness effect in the larger society, demonstrating that national statistics relevant to belongingness correlate with those measuring antisocial and self-defeating behaviors. Pilot data from two experiments show that low belongingness leads to aggression (an antisocial behavior) and binge eating (a self- defeating act).

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32MH012329-02
Application #
6391692
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-RPHB-4 (04))
Program Officer
Altman, Fred
Project Start
2001-06-01
Project End
Budget Start
2001-06-01
Budget End
2001-09-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$14,832
Indirect Cost
Name
Case Western Reserve University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
077758407
City
Cleveland
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
44106