Research shows that being kicked out of the tribe drains willpower. For example, after people are socially rejected,28 they are less likely to resist the temptation of freshly baked biscuits, and they give up sooner on a challenging assignment. They also become more easily distracted during a concentration task. Studies show that the more racial minorities are exposed to prejudice, the less self-control they have – and just reminding minorities of discrimination depletes their willpower. Any time we feel excluded or disrespected, we are at greater risk for giving in to our worst impulses.
