Does Social Exclusion Shape Impression Management? Insights from Acute and Chronic Social Exclusion Contexts

The experience of social exclusion can evoke a diverse array of effects. One effect of a disrupted need for belonging is that individuals may develop a mindset aimed at enhancing the likelihood of reconnecting with others. We believe that forming new social connections requires more than just impression formation; it necessitates effective impression management. This study investigated the effects of exclusion on impression management while controlling the effects of self-monitoring abilities. We conducted 4 experimental studies and a mini meta-analysis within the context of acute social exclusion and also a correlational study within the context of chronic social exclusion. Experimental studies and mini meta-analysis have shown that acute social exclusion did not affect impression management. Study 4 revealed that the experience of chronic social exclusion had negatively predicted impression management evaluations in all three dimensions (morality, sociability, competence). The findings are discussed within the framework of social exclusion, impression management tactics, and models related to loneliness.