| Anthropomorphism, or perceiving non-human entities in human-like ways, is motivated by the need to socially connect. Although previous research has shown that engaging in anthropomorphism satiates belongingness needs, it has not addressed the possibility that particular types of anthropomorphizing may aid more than others. The current work presents three experiments that explored the effect of anthropomorphism type on recovery from social exclusion. Specifically, in a Pilot Study I tested the hypothesis that reading about an animal anthropomorphized with experiential capacities (versus agentic capacities) would more greatly facilitate recovery of basic needs and mood following exclusion. In Study 1, I attempted to replicate the Pilot Study findings using a more construct-valid operationalization of anthropomorphism. In Study 2, I examined the possibility that this effect would blunt a downstream behavioral consequence of exclusion, namely aggression. Overall the results provided mixed support for the hypotheses. In only one of three studies did I find evidence that experiential anthropomorphism facilitates greater recovery of basic needs following social exclusion. Implications of these findings for the literatures on both social exclusion and anthropomorphism are discussed. |
