PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

This study explores the reactions to being denied access to medical services, such as skin cancer screenings, as a form of social exclusion. Early detection of skin cancer is crucial for reducing morbidity, treatment costs, and mortality. However, access to these services is not equally distributed, with statutorily insured individuals facing disadvantages in securing doctor appointments. The research investigates whether social exclusion leads to a need-threat, resulting in lower self-esteem, meaningful existence, and control, and whether this triggers retaliation through trash-talking about doctor’s offices. The study utilizes an online experiment with 180 participants, where they are either included or excluded from receiving an appointment. Results show that social exclusion significantly impacts self-esteem, meaningful existence, and control. Decreased self-esteem, in turn, increases trash-talking, suggesting that rejections should be communicated in a self-esteem-friendly manner to maintain the good reputation of medical practices.