Interpersonal and intrapersonal approach and avoidance motives after social rejection

Theories pertaining to social rejection often posit that rejected individuals are motivated to both pursue belonging and protect the self. The present study examined whether rejection indeed produces concurrent interpersonal approach and intrapersonal avoidance motives as a result of these dual goals. Much rejection research has shown downstream changes to attention, social perception, memory, and behavior, suggesting that rejection motivates interpersonal engagement (to regain belonging or protect the self) and intrapersonal disengagement. Yet, no research has directly examined cognitive changes in approach and avoidance motivations toward others and the self, let alone in tandem. We hypothesized that, after playing Cyberball, rejected (but not accepted) individuals would display interpersonal approach and intrapersonal avoidance motives, facilitating approach-other and avoid-self responses on a cognitive Approach/Avoidance Task. Results revealed none of the anticipated effects or interactions, suggesting that interpersonal and intrapersonal approach and avoidance motives may not explain individuals’ varied responses to rejection.