Stigma-based rejection experiences affect trust in others

Abstract

Rejection experiences are likely to influence individuals’ subsequent feelings about others and their behaviour in social interactions. The present study specifically examined whether stigma-based rejection leads to decreased trust in others, compared to rejections that are not stigma-based. Trust was assessed behaviourally with an online task where the interaction partner was pre-programmed. Participants showed less trust after stigma-based rejection than after a non-stigma based rejection. This research provides the first experimental evidence that stigma-based rejection uniquely influences trust in others.