This study explores the influence of social exclusion on self-control and the mediating role of rejection sensitivity between the two. Utilizing the College Students' Social Exclusion Scale, Self-Control Scale, and Rejection Sensitivity Scale, questionnaires were distributed to college students in universities. A total of 594 questionnaires were collected, and after removing invalid ones, 575 valid questionnaires were obtained, with an effective rate of 96.80%. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0. Results indicate significant gender differences in social exclusion, with female college students reporting more social exclusion. There were also significant differences in social exclusion based on the students' rural or urban origins, with rural students reporting a higher perception of social exclusion. Social exclusion, rejection sensitivity, and self-control were all significantly correlated. However, social exclusion did not significantly predict self-control directly but could influence self-control through rejection sensitivity, indicating that rejection sensitivity fully mediates the relationship between social exclusion and self-control. The study suggests that social exclusion is not entirely negative and can have certain positive effects, indirectly improving individual self-control through rejection sensitivity. However, it is not recommended to use this factor as an intervention method to enhance self-control.

Ji Youjia, Wang Jingnan, Ou Min. The Impact of Social Exclusion on Self-Control among College Students: The Mediational Role of Rejection Sensitivity. International Journal of Frontiers in Sociology (2024), Vol. 6, Issue 4: 1-6. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJFS.2024.060401.

[1] Baumeister R F, Twenge J M, Nuss C K. Effects of social exclusion on cognitive processes: anticipated aloneness reduces intelligent thought [J]. Journal of personality and social psychology, 2002, 83(4): 817.

[2] Cole J, Logan T K, Walker R. Social exclusion, personal control, self-regulation, and stress among substance abuse treatment clients[J]. Drug and alcohol dependence, 2011, 113(1): 13-20.

[3] Du Jianzheng, Xia Bingli. Social Exclusion from the Perspective of Psychology[J]. Advances in Psychological Science, 2008, 16(006):981-986.

[4] Zhou Li, Geng Jingyu, Wang Xingchao & Lei Li. The Role of Basic Needs in the Relationship between Supervisor-induced Ostracism and Mental Health among Postgraduate Students [J]. Psychological Development and Education, 2021, 37(02): 222-229.

[5] Baumeister R F, Sparks E A, Stillman T F, et al. Free will in consumer behavior: Self-control, ego depletion, and choice[J]. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 2008, 18(1):4-13.

[6] Hagger M S, Wood C, Stiff C, et al. Ego depletion and the strength model of self-control: a meta-analysis [J]. Psychological bulletin, 2010, 136(4): 495.

[7] Horney K. The Neurotic Personality of Our Time [J].New York: WW Norton & Co., 1937.

[8] Downey G, Feldman S I. Implications of rejection sensitivity for intimate relationships[J]. Journal of personality and social psychology, 1996, 70(6): 1327.

[9] Wu H J, Zhang S Y, Zeng Y Q. Development and Validity Testing of Social Exclusion Questionnaire for College Students[J]. Chinese Journal of Health Psychology, 2013, 21(12): 3.

[10] Tangney J P, Boone A L, Baumeister R F. High self-control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success[M]//Self-regulation and self-control. Routledge, 2018: 173-212.

[11] Li X. Research on the Correlation of Rejection Sensitivity[D]. Jiangxi Normal University, 2007.

[12] Quarmley M, Feldman J, Grossman H, et al. Testing effects of social rejection on aggressive and prosocial behavior: A meta‐analysis[J]. Aggressive behavior, 2022, 48(6): 529-545.

[13] Niu G, Shi X, Yao L, et al. Social exclusion and depression among undergraduate students: the mediating roles of rejection sensitivity and social self-efficacy[J]. Current Psychology, 2023, 42(28): 24198-24207.

[14] Zhang Guochao, Chen Ming. The Influence of Self-Control on Internet Addiction among College Students: a Moderated Mediation Model[J]. Chinese Journal of Health Psychology, 2020, 28(07): 1090-1095.