When social pain is not automatic: Personality disorder traits buffer ostracism’s immediate negative impact

Abstract The immediate impact of ostracism is painful. Thus far, no published studies find evidence for the moderation of ostracism’s immediate impact by individual difference variables. We explore meaningful configurations of personality traits, specifically personality disorders, as potential moderators of ostracism’s immediate impact. We focused on traits descriptive of Cluster A personality disorders, characterized by severe interpersonal distrust, detachment, and/or discomfort. We assessed personality disorder scores using individuals’ Five Factor Model profiles. Participants were ostracized during a virtual ball-toss game, Cyberball, and immediately after, completed measures of social pain, basic need satisfaction, and affect. Only traits characteristic of Cluster A personality disorders, not Cluster B or C disorders, buffered ostracism’s impact on social pain, basic need satisfaction, and positive affect.