Emotional Reactions Following Silent Treatment

The Role of Guilt

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21355253
AutoresFederica Scarci (0000-0001-8161-8395, Roma Tre University, autor de correspondencia), Katia Tenore (0000-0002-8582-1822, Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva S.r.l), Francesco Mancini (0000-0002-1061-7982, Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva S.r.l), Mauro Giacomantonio (0000-0003-1114-6534, Sapienza University of Rome)
Año2026
Páginas1-16
Fecha de publicación2026-06-04
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaThe Journal of Social Psychology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0022-4545 • E-ISSN: 1940-1183
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00224545.2026.2679679
PMID42240605
OpenAlexW7163587220
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas52

Silent treatment represents a subtle yet harmful form of ostracism, often accompanied by emotional distress and ambiguity regarding the reasons for exclusion. This research investigated the emotional responses of individuals exposed to silent treatment, with a particular focus on the role of guilt. Study 1 involved participants recalling episodes of silent treatment and neglect, allowing for a comparison of the emotions elicited in these relational contexts. Results indicated that guilt, sadness, and fear were more pronounced during silent treatment, while the source was perceived as expressing greater anger and disgust. Study 2 employed an experimental design to explore the specific nature of guilt, distinguishing between altruistic and deontological guilt. Findings revealed that silent treatment is associated with heightened deontological guilt, which is linked to violations of moral norms and uncertainty. These studies provide a contribution to the understanding of silent treatment and its implications for relational and emotional well-being

Ambiguity · Anger · Anxiety · Disgust · Distress · Emotional distress · Focus (optics) · Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion · Emotions and Moral Behavior · Forgiveness and Related Behaviors

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