When justice surrenders: The effect of just-world beliefs on aggression following ostracism
Poon, K. T., & Chen, Z. (2014). When justice surrenders: The effect of just-world beliefs on aggression following ostracism. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 52, 101-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2014.01.006
2014 Impact Factor 2.285 | 5-year Impact Factor 3.140
2014 JCR Rank 13/62, Q1 in Psychology, Social | 2014 SJR Rank 22/262, Q1 in Psychology - Social Psychology
Abstract
The present research examined the influence of general just-world beliefs on aggression following ostracism. The findings provided converging support for the hypothesis that people with weak general just-world beliefs, either measured (Studies 1 and 4) or primed (Studies 2 and 3), would behave more aggressively following ostracism than people with strong general just-world beliefs. Furthermore, perceived deservingness (Study 3) or attribution (Study 4) mediated the relationship between general just-world beliefs and aggression following ostracism. These findings highlight the significance of general just-world beliefs in understanding the coping responses to negative interpersonal experiences. The implications are discussed.