When rejection backfires: Social exclusion and economic decision-making in gamblers

Social exclusion triggered utilitarian decision-making only among PGs. This selective effect suggests rejection compromises PGs' economic decision-making processes, shifting priorities toward immediate monetary gains over equitable outcomes. These findings reveal how social punishment creates self-reinforcing cycles where exclusion triggers the utilitarian mindset characterizing problematic gambling. Treatment and societal approaches relying on social consequences may inadvertently strengthen harmful patterns, highlighting the need for inclusion-based interventions.