McCann, Doug2014-07-112014-07-112013-10-252014-07-09http://hdl.handle.net/10315/27590The present study investigated individual differences in the relation between ostracism and self-regulation. Previous research shows that being excluded leads to reduced performance on tasks that require self-regulation. Self-regulation deficits have been linked to many mental health issues, including depression. According to the diathesis-stress theory, depression results from pre-existing vulnerabilities combined with stressful events. Two vulnerabilities to depression are the personality variables sociotropy and autonomy, characterized by high levels of interpersonal dependence and autonomy/achievement, respectively. In this study it was predicted that those high in sociotropy would show greater self-regulation deficits after experiencing ostracism, while those high in autonomy would experience a buffering effect. Participants played a game called Cyberball that includes or excludes the player. They then completed a measure of self-regulation. Results show that sociotropy moderated the relation between ostracism and cookies eaten. This suggests that individuals overly invested in interpersonal relationships react differently to ostracism.enAuthor owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.PsychologyPersonality psychologySocial psychologyElectronic Thesis or Dissertation2014-07-09ModerationSociotropyAutonomyOstracismSelf-regulation