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Abstract
Ostracism has been shown to elicit pain in both the target and the observers. Two
experiments investigated the autonomic thermal signature associated with an ostracism
experience and assessed whether and how social categorization impacts the autonomic
arousal of both the target and the observer. Autonomic response was assessed using
thermal infrared imaging, recording facial temperature variation during an online
game of ball toss (i.e., Cyberball). Social categorization was manipulated using a
minimal group paradigm. The results show a more intense autonomic response during
ostracism (vs. inclusion), marked by an increase in facial temperature in the nose
and the perioral area. This autonomic response is stronger when individuals are ostracized
by ingroup (vs. outgroup) members. Similar pattern of temperature variations emerge
when individuals observe an ostracism episode involving ingroup members. Our findings
advance the understanding of psycho-physiological mechanisms underlying the ostracism
experience and emphasize the impact of social categorization in such mechanisms.