Exclusion and self-efficacy

Research and theory indicate that self-efficacy can be influenced by factors related to persuasion, experiences of success, and emotional states. These can include situations that may challenge a person's beliefs about their own abilities. Social exclusion is associated with deprivation of control need, low self-control and low self-esteem. This study examined whether social exclusion might affect general self-efficacy beliefs. It was predicted that self-efficacy would be lower in the exclusion condition than in the inclusion condition and that control and belonging need satisfaction will mediate the exclusion effect on self-efficacy. Feelings of control and belonging were manipulated using a Cyberball game in which participants were excluded from or included in the on-line ball-tossing game. The results confirmed the hypotheses. Self-efficacy, belonging and control were lower in ostracism than in inclusion condition. Control and belonging were positively related to self-efficacy and mediated the ostracism effect on self-efficacy. Research suggests that creating an environment that enables satisfaction of control and relatedness needs may foster self-efficacy and that each of these two needs is important in this process.