Social Exclusion and Online Aggressive Behavior: Mediation Through Ego Depletion and Moderation Through Mindfulness

The popularity and availability of the Internet has led to a higher frequency of online aggressive behavior, which has aroused increasing attention among researchers. The present study investigated the relationship between social exclusion and online aggressive behavior based on the general aggression model, as well as mediation through ego depletion and moderation through mindfulness. A sample of 953 college students (466 men and 487 women) were recruited to complete questionnaires that assessed social exclusion, online aggressive behavior, ego depletion, and mindfulness. The results showed that social exclusion was significantly and positively associated with online aggressive behavior and that ego depletion played a mediating role in this relationship. Additionally, mindfulness moderated the effect of social exclusion on ego depletion and online aggressive behavior. Specifically, compared to individuals with a high level of mindfulness, individuals with a low level of mindfulness who were experiencing social exclusion were more prone to experiencing ego depletion and partaking in online aggressive behaviors. This study deepens the existing understanding of the mechanisms through which social exclusion affects online aggressive behavior, which could have practical implications for the prevention of and interventions against online aggressive behaviors.