What is Ostracism?

Ostracism is the act of being excluded or ignored by others, which can be subtle or overt. Examples include being left out of social activities, being ignored by the group, or being isolated from team interactions.

What are the Mental and Physical Effects of Being Ostracized?

Being ostracized can lead to low self-esteem and increased risk of mental health concerns such as PTSD, depression, and suicide. Feeling left out can also have painful effects on the body and worsen physical health. For military populations, these effects can result in decreased performance, readiness, and retention.

How Can You Fight Against Ostracism and Be a Supportive Warrior?

Prevention and early intervention can reduce harm and improve mission readiness and team health.

Tips for leaders:

1. Educate yourself and your team members about ostracism and its harmful effects.
2. Develop and nurture a warm and supportive environment that values all its members.
3. Monitor members who may be struggling and encourage increased team support.

Tips for peers:

1. Normalize cohesion and inclusion.
2. Welcome and establish a buddy system for new members.
3. Learn about your peers and their interests and facilitate connections with others.

Tips for family members:

1. Support and validate your military member’s feelings.
2. Check in with your military member often and pay attention to negative behavior changes.
3. Familiarize yourself with the resources below to encourage use of additional support.

Together, we can ensure that everyone feels like they belong and are valued. If you are dealing with the effects of ostracism, help is available. See the resources below.

Additional Resources:

• Infographic: 6 Tips to Combat Ostracism
• Infographic: Preventing Harm from Ostracism
• Digital Content Toolkit: Can We Talk? 
• Infographic: Staying Connected
• Military OneSource: Military and Family Support Centers
• Military OneSource: Mental Health Services for the Military
• inTransition
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Military/Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255
  • In Europe, call: 844-702-5495 or DSN 988
  • In the Pacific, call: 844-702-5493 or DSN 988
  • In Southwest Asia, call: 855-422-7719 or DSN 988
• Psychological Health Resource Center: 866-966-1020 or live chat available 24/7

Sources:

• Bedi, A. (2021). No herd for black sheep: A meta-analytic review of the predictors and outcomes of workplace ostracism. Applied Psychology, 70(2), 861–904. https://doi.org/10.1111/apps.12238
• Chen, Z., Poon, K, DeWall, C. N., & Jiang, T. (2020). Life lacks meaning without acceptance: Ostracism triggers suicidal thoughts. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: Interpersonal Relations and Group Processes, 119(6), 1423–14
• Department of Defense. (2020, September 11). DoD policy on integrated primary prevention of self-directed harm and prohibited abuse or harm (DODI 6400.09). https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/640009p.pdf
• McGraw, K. (2016). Gender differences among military combatants: Does social support, ostracism, and pain perception influence psychological health? Military Medicine, 181(suppl_1), 80–85. https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-15-00254
• Psychological Health Center of Excellence. (in progress). Ostracism in the Military. Evidence Brief.
• Rudert, S.C., Janke, S., & Greifeneder, R. (2021). Ostracism breeds depression: Longitudinal associations between ostracism and depression over a three-year period. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 4, 100118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j/jjadr.2021.100118
• Sharma, N. & Dhar, R. L. (2022). From curse to cure of workplace ostracism: A systematic review and future research agenda. Human Resource Management Review, 32(3). 100836. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.hrmr.2021.100836

Updated January 2025