Ostracism and Social Pain

Ostracism is when someone is deliberately ignored or excluded by others, which can significantly impact their emotional well-being. Social pain is the distress experienced from such social exclusion or rejection, similar to physical pain in how it affects the brain. Both phenomena highlight how deeply social connections matter to our mental health; being left out can cause feelings of hurt, loneliness, and diminished self-esteem. Understanding this relationship emphasizes the importance of inclusion and social support for overall well-being.