Investigating relationships between ostracism and psychological factors among former members of religious groups

Gorczynska, Wiktoria Barbara (2019) Investigating relationships between ostracism and psychological factors among former members of religious groups. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The current study investigated relationships between ostracism, time, depression, stress, and social support among former Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs) who are an example of religion that practice ‘shunning’ towards their former members and a comparison group of former members of religions who do not practice ‘shunning’. An online questionnaire was administered to 204 participants (58.8% female). The study investigated (1) whether levels of perceived ostracism (global and religious-based) are higher among former JWs than in the comparison group (2) the relationship between duration outside the religion and perceived ostracism among former JWs (3) effects of former religion (JWs vs Comparison) and perceived ostracism on depressive symptomology, stress, and social support. Results suggest that JWs experienced higher religious-based and global ostracism than control. There is no relationship between duration outside the religion and perceived ostracism among former JWs. Lastly findings suggest that former religion has no effect on psychological variables. However, perceived ostracism was found to have effect on psychological variables. The results indicate that individuals who experience high ostracism have higher level of depressive symptomology and stress level and lower perceived social support. The findings have important implications for our understanding of ostracism from social, cultural or religious groups and the potential negative consequences of such ostracism.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Stress (Psychology)
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	30 May 2019 14:54
Last Modified:	30 May 2019 14:54
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/3789

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