ostracism
n. an extreme form of rejection in which one is excluded and ignored in the presence of others. Ostracism has powerful negative effects on psychological well-being and is detrimental to multiple domains of self-functioning. Specific consequences include not only sadness, hurt feelings, and changes in social perception (e.g., increased likelihood of interpreting ambiguous situations as threatening) but also decreased satisfaction of four fundamental human needs: belonging, control, self-esteem, and meaningful existence. Evidence from both human and nonhuman animal research suggests that ostracism activates the anterior cingulate cortex, the same area of the brain involved in experiencing both physical and psychological pain.