Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Andrew Hales
Second Advisor
Grace Rivera
Third Advisor
Andrew Pfrenger
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
In a pre-registered online study, we investigated the relationship between ostracism and overclaiming. Ostracism is the act of deliberately or unintentionally excluding and ignoring others. Overclaiming refers to the behavior of exaggerating one’s knowledge or familiarity with specific topics, often as a way of attempting to present oneself as more knowledgeable or competent than one actually is. Drawing from the temporal need-threat model, we hypothesized that ostracized individuals, as a compensatory response, would likely overclaim more compared to included individuals. This online study simulated a work experience where participants were asked to answer questions about their work-related experiences and opinions. A total of 493 U.S. adults participated in this study where they played a virtual ball-tossing game and then reported their knowledge of both real and fictitious work-related words.
Contrary to our hypothesis, there was no significant difference in overclaiming behavior between ostracized and included groups. Although there was no evidence of ostracism increasing overclaiming, our study replicates prior ostracism research by highlighting the negative psychological effects of ostracism. Specifically, ostracized participants reported lower basic needs satisfaction and lower positive affect than included participants. Future research should continue to explore how social contexts may influence tendencies to overclaim beyond focusing on high-stakes contexts such as job applications or gaining validation among peers in new workplace environments.
Recommended Citation
Chen, Katy Q., "Claiming More to Cope: Does Ostracism Increase Overclaiming?" (2025). Honors Theses. 3290.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3290
Creative Commons License
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Included in
Behavioral Neurobiology Commons, Biological Psychology Commons, Experimental Analysis of Behavior Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons, Social Psychology Commons
