Mediating Effects of Guilt and Shame on the Helping Behavior of People who Have Witnessed Ostracism

Social connections are fundamental to human well-being, yet ostracism can lead to mental and physical maladjustment. Ostracized individuals often attempt to reconnect, but their efforts can be hindered by feelings of helplessness and depression. This study examines factors that facilitate helping behavior toward ostracized individuals by third parties who witness the ostracism, that is, the mediating effects of guilt and shame on the effects of witnessing ostracism on subsequent helping behavior. Participants (n = 161) read scenarios depicting ostracism or inclusion situations and reported their likelihood to engage in helping behaviors and their feelings of guilt and shame after witnessing the events. Results indicated that guilt mediated a positive relationship between witnessing ostracism and subsequent helping behavior, whereas shame mediated a negative relationship. These findings are consistent with existing research on the prosocial motivation of guilt and the avoidance tendencies of shame. The results highlight the complex interplay of emotions in shaping bystander responses to ostracism and shed light on potential interventions to promote inclusive behaviors. By influencing the emotions of bystanders, prosocial actions based on guilt can be encouraged and avoidance based on shame can be discouraged, ultimately promoting a more inclusive society.