A cross-cultural investigation of rejection sensitivity and romantic relationships

Abstract

This study sought to test whether the magnitude of associations between rejection sensitivity and facets of romantic relationships (sociosexuality, jealousy, and perceived mate value) differ between Australian nationals and Indian nationals. It was hypothesised that associations would be stronger among Australian adults (individualistic culture) compared to Indian adults (collectivistic culture). In total, 200 Indian adults (94 men, 105 women; Mage = 28.15 ± 11.41 years) and 228 Australian adults (65 men, 162 women; Mage = 19.91 ± 2.50 years) completed questionnaires at a single time point. Results showed that, compared to Australian adults, Indian adults tended to have higher levels of rejection sensitivity and jealousy, and lower levels of self-perceived mate value and sociosexual behaviour. Linear regression models also showed that more rejection sensitive adults tended to have a lower perceived mate value, express greater jealousy, and have less restricted sociosexual behaviour. Moderation analysis showed that more rejection sensitive adults tended to express greater jealousy in the Indian sample only, and mediation models showed that rejection sensitivity related to sociosexual behaviour through the variance shared with mate value. These findings highlight the importance of rejection sensitivity in romantic relationships across cultures.