Social ostracism, religion, and existential concerns

Abstract Ostracism—being ignored and excluded—is a painful experience that poses a threat to four basic human needs: belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence. In this chapter, we explore the connections between ostracism and religion. We first review the temporal need-threat model of ostracism, then describe how ostracism can be used by religious groups to ensure the cohesiveness and cooperation of their members. We further consider the ways in which people may turn to religion to help them address the negative effects of experiencing ostracism. Finally, we consider situations where ostracism itself may precipitate interest in extreme ideologies—both those that are explicitly religious and also those that are secular but still fill the same needs as religions.