Expectations Of Rejection Research Articles

Desarrollo y validación de la Escala de Expectativas de Rechazo Social (ERS)

El desempeño social de los individuos se ve influido por expectativas que personas tienen sobre el resultado de su conducta, ya que permiten anticipar el futuro y planificar cursos de acción. Las expectativas de rechazo social son definidas como pensamientos que anticipan la posibilidad de ser rechazado en una situación interpersonal y cuando son muy frecuentes pueden traer aparejado un sinnúmero de dificultades en la vida social de las personas. El objetivo de este estudio fue construir la Escala de Expectativas de Rechazo Social (ERS) para población adulta. En primer lugar, se confeccionaron 51 ítems preliminares que fueron sometidos a juicio de expertos (N = 6) para obtener evidencia de validez de contenido. En segundo lugar, utilizando muestreo accidental, se llevó a cabo un análisis factorial exploratorio (N = 320) y confirmatorio (N= 458). Como resultado se obtuvo una escala final compuesta por 27 ítems distribuidos en tres factores interpretados como Expectativas de rechazo ante situaciones con vínculos establecidos, Expectativas de rechazo en situaciones de establecimiento de nuevos vínculos y Expectativas de rechazo en lugares públicos y ante desconocidos. Se evaluó la consistencia interna de la escala, obteniendo coeficientes muy buenos y excelentes para cada factor (de .71 a .88). Finalmente, se obtuvieron correlaciones positivas significativas entre las escalas del test y diferentes medidas de ansiedad social. Se puede concluir que la ERS es un instrumento válido y confiable para la evaluación de las expectativas de rechazo social en población adulta, resultando una herramienta de utilidad en investigación y diagnóstico.

The relationship between assertiveness and separation-individuation in adolescents

This study aims to determine whether assertiveness predicts restriction anxiety, separation anxiety and expectation of rejection, which are the sub-dimensions of Separation-Individuation Test of Adolescence. The study was conducted with high school students in a Central Anatolian city during the second semester of the 2018-2019 academic year. A total of 488 students, 324 girls and 164 boys, participated in the study. Regression, pearson correlation and t test were used in the analysis of the data obtained T-test results indicated that sex significantly differentiated the scores of separation anxiety while it did not differentiate the scores of restriction anxiety and expectation of rejection. Correlation analysis showed that there was a negative relationship between assertiveness level of adolescents and level of separation-individuation (restriction anxiety, separation anxiety and expectation of rejection). Regression analysis revealed that assertiveness was the negative predictor of separation anxiety, expectation of rejection and restriction anxiety. These results indicate that, for a healthy development in adolescence, a critical period in personality development, becoming assertive and escaping passiveness can have a significant contribution to the personality development of the individual. The findings of the research were discussed and interpreted within the framework of the literature and suggestions were made to researchers and practitioners.

No1LikesU! - A Pilot Study on an Ecologically Valid and Highly Standardised Experimental Paradigm to Investigate Social Rejection Expectations and Their Modification.

Dysfunctional expectations have been suggested as core features in the development and maintenance of mental disorders. Thus, preventing development and promoting modification of dysfunctional expectations through intervention might improve clinical treatment. While there are well-established experimental procedures to investigate the acquisition and modification of dysfunctional performance expectations in major depression, paradigms for investigating other important types of dysfunctional expectations (e.g. social rejection expectations) are currently lacking. We introduce an innovative associative learning paradigm, which can be used to investigate the development, maintenance, and modification of social rejection expectations. A pilot sample of 28 healthy participants experienced manipulated social feedback after answering personal questions in supposed webcam conferences. While participants repeatedly received social rejection feedback in a first phase, differential feedback was given in a second phase (social rejection vs. social appreciation). In a third phase, explicit social feedback was omitted. Participants developed social rejection expectations in the first phase. For the second phase, we found an interaction effect of experimental condition; i.e. participants adjusted their expectations according to the differential social feedback. In the third phase, learned social expectations remained stable in accordance to the social feedback in the second phase. Results indicate that the paradigm can be used to investigate the development, maintenance, and modification of social rejection expectations in healthy participants. This offers broad applications to explore the differential acquisition and modification of social rejection expectations in healthy vs. clinical samples. Further, the paradigm might be used to investigate therapeutic strategies to facilitate expectation change.

Minority stress among LGB people: Investigating relations among distal and proximal stressors

Research among lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) individuals often distinguishes between distal (e.g., discrimination) and proximal (e.g., expectations of rejection, internalized homophobia, and concealment) stressors. There are few longitudinal studies, however, testing the causal distal-proximal link. The present study examined these proposed associations among a sample of 192 LGB adults. Cross-lagged structural equation modeling revealed that each stressor was stable over 1 month. Also, Time 1 discrimination negatively predicted Time 2 concealment, but Time 1 expectations of rejection positively predicted Time 2 discrimination and concealment. Time 1 concealment positively predicted Time 2 internalized homophobia. Our results suggest the need for further evaluation of the distal-proximal distinction. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Social exclusion reduces happiness by creating expectations of future rejection

ABSTRACT Social exclusion reduces happiness and well-being partly by creating a generalized expectation of future rejection and lack of belonging. An experiment (N = 709) using a guided imagination task found that social exclusion led to reduced feelings of happiness. The effect was mediated by future expectations, as participants who imagined a vivid exclusion scenario thought they were more likely to experience actual rejection in the coming weeks. A correlational survey focusing on individual differences found a similar pattern. People who felt a strong sense of general belonging thought they were less likely to experience future rejection than people with weak belonging, and they also reported higher levels of current happiness.

Mental health among sexual and gender minority adolescents: Examining interactions with race and ethnicity.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents report elevated risk for psychopathology. Identifying as a racial/ethnic minority and sexual minority (SM) or gender minority (GM) may lead to greater stress/discrimination and psychopathology. We examined nonsuicidal self-injury, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts (i.e., self-injurious thoughts and behaviors [SITBs]) and depressive symptoms across intersections of sexual orientation, gender, and race/ethnicity. Study participants consisted of a large (n = 2,948; 59% GM) sample of adolescents aged 14-18 who were recruited online to complete a cross-sectional survey. SGM status, race/ethnicity, and their interactions were used to predict depressive symptoms and SITBs. Associations among race/ethnicity and GM-specific psychosocial factors were assessed. SM (B = 3.75) and GM (B = 8.81) participants reported higher depressive symptoms and SITB histories (odds ratios [ORs] from 1.92 to 2.43 and 2.87 to 5.44, respectively). Asian participants were less likely to report nonsuicidal self-injury (OR = 0.45), and Latinx participants were more likely to report suicide attempts (OR = 1.50). Although omnibus tests of interactions were largely insignificant, exploratory analyses revealed fewer depressive symptoms (B = -8.40) and SITBs (ORs from -0.95 to -2.05) among Black SM participants and, at times, Black GM participants. This protective effect may relate to lower self-reported expectations of rejection due to gender. GM participants reported the highest risk for depressive symptoms and SITBs. Contrary to hypotheses, multiple minority identification was not associated with greater psychopathology. Future research, assessing specific sexual and gender identities across diverse samples, is needed to highlight how race affects psychopathology risk across these identities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Minority Stress, Campaign Messages and Political Participation during the Australian Marriage Plebiscite

BackgroundThe health and wellbeing of sexual minorities is adversely impacted by a set of factors collectively known as minority stress. Recently, negative campaigns preceding gay-rights referenda have put further pressure on sexual minorities. However, active participation in political campaigns is expected to foster wellbeing. This study explores the mechanisms through which political campaigns affect psychological distress in sexual minorities.MethodWe conducted a survey with 318 Australian sexual minority individuals during the campaign for the same-sex marriage postal vote in 2017.ResultsAs expected, exposure to negative campaign messages was associated with psychological distress. This association persisted controlling for the effects of everyday stress. The effect of exposure to negative campaign messages was no longer significant when controlling for minority stressors like internalized homophobia, expectations of rejection, and everyday discrimination. Political participation was also associated with psychological distress. Post hoc analyses supported a model whereby minority stressors mediated the associations of campaign messages and political participation with distress.ConclusionMinority stress provides a flexible theoretical framework that can incorporate novel challenges to the wellbeing of sexual minorities.Policy ImplicationAs public votes on the rights of sexual minorities become more common, it is important to develop models that can inform policy in protecting such minorities.

A transgender girl’s experience: sexual exploitation and systems involvement

PurposeThe available research on specialized interventions for youth experiencing commercial sexual exploitation almost exclusively focuses on the impact and efficacy related to cisgender girls, despite the inclusion of youth who identify as transgender in these programs. This paper aims to present a case study on the experience of a transgender adolescent girl who experienced commercial sexual exploitation and provides a narrative of the multifarious challenges she faced while involved in institutional systems of care.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conducted an in-depth case review of all records on “Jade,” a white adolescent transgender girl who experienced commercial sexual exploitation, from a specialty court program in the juvenile justice system between 2012 and 2016. Her experiences throughout childhood exemplify many of the unique challenges that transgender girls and young women with histories of exploitation or trafficking may encounter within service delivery and socioecological systems. This paper applied concepts adapted from the gender minority stress theoretical model to understand how minority gender identity can shape the experiences and outcomes of the youth impacted by commercial sexual exploitation.FindingsJade’s narrative underscores the interplay of gender-based sexual violence, heteronormative structural barriers, transphobia and their intersectional impact on her experience while receiving specialized care. The intersectional hardships she experienced likely contributed to adverse biopsychosocial outcomes, including high rates of medical and behavioral health diagnoses and expectations of further rejection.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the extraordinary challenges and barriers faced by an often under-recognized and overlooked subset of the youth impacted by commercial sexual exploitation, who may receive services that do not account for their unique needs related to gender expression and identity. This paper exemplifies how internalized stigma along with expectations of further rejection and victimization have implications for clinical and multidisciplinary intervention settings. Jade’s case underscores the need for improved access to supportive services for youth with minority gender identities, including peer community-building opportunities. Finally, this paper identifies a critical gap in US legislation and social policy. This gap contributes to the structural harms faced by transgender and gender-nonconforming youth receiving services during or following experiences of commercial sexual exploitation.

Sexual Anal Pain in Gay and Bisexual Men: In Search of Explanatory Factors

BackgroundSexual anal pain—or anodyspareunia—in gay and bisexual men is a scientifically and clinically neglected topic. More understanding of its origins and correlates is needed. AimTo search for correlates of painful anal intercourse with the inclusion of minority stress processes. MethodsThe analysis is based on data collected in an Internet study on the sexuality of Polish gay, bisexual, and straight men. Multiple ordinal regression analysis was used to search for the correlates of painful receptive anal intercourse in a group of 1,443 nonheterosexual men who declared practicing this type of intercourse within the last 12 months. The investigated correlates included demographics, sexual patterns and experiences, experiencing minority stress, sexual problems, and mental and physical health. To assess the level of minority stress, we used the Sexual Minority Stress Scale based on Ilan Meyer's Minority Stress Model, with its subscales relating to internalized homophobia, expectation of rejection, concealment, and sexual minority negative events. Sexual problems were measured with single-item questions adapted from the National Health and Social Life Survey. Data on the remaining correlates were obtained using a survey that we developed. Main Outcome MeasuresThe intensity of pain during receptive anal sexual intercourse as rated on a 5-point Likert scale was a dependent variable. ResultsAge (odds ratio [OR]: 0.97; P < .001), performance anxiety (OR: 1.94; P < .001), and internalized homophobia (OR: 1.04; P < .001) were the only statistically significant predictors of the intensity of pain during receptive anal sexual intercourse. Clinical ImplicationsClinicians addressing sexual anal pain should consider performance anxiety, internalized homophobia, and younger age as possible operating factors. Strengths & LimitationsThe major strengths of the study include the provision of additional data on this neglected topic derived from a large sample of participants from the little recognized Central European cultural context and the major limitations are the nonrepresentative sampling, retrospective data collection, cross-sectional design, Internet methodology, and lack of information on the clinical relevance of experienced pain, that is, distress or help-seeking, as well as its recurrent or persistent character. ConclusionPainful sexual anal activity requires further investigation.Grabski B, Kasparek K. Sexual Anal Pain in Gay and Bisexual Men: In Search of Explanatory Factors. J Sex Med 2020;17:716–730.

Relations between different components of rejection sensitivity and adjustment in Chinese children

The goal of the present study was to examine the relations between the cognitive (i.e., expectations) and emotional (i.e., anxiety, anger) components of rejection sensitivity and adjustment among Chinese children. Participants were N = 654 children (grades four to seven) in Shanghai, China. Measures of rejection sensitivity, socio-emotional functioning, and academic achievement were collected via multi-source assessment. Among the results, the anxiety component was associated with psychological problems (e.g., social anxiety, lower self-worth), whereas the anger component was associated with social and behavioral problems (e.g., peer victimization, lower peer preference, total difficulties). Rejection expectations were associated with the widest range of adjustment difficulties. The current findings suggest that rejection sensitivity poses considerable risk for Chinese youth, and that the emotional and cognitive components of rejection sensitivity should be viewed as distinct vulnerabilities for risk. Results are discussed in terms of the unique implications of rejection sensitivity in Chinese culture.

Межличностная чувствительность в период самоизоляции: роль в выборе мер социального дистанцирования

The present study was called forth by the relevant issue of COVID-19 pandemic. We emphasize that it emerged as a traumatic situation for many people, whereas measures against its spread further exacerbate psychological distress. In the current study we focused on interpersonal sensitivity in the clinical sense, as a heightened vulnerability to emotions and behaviors of the others linked to expectations of critique and rejection. The study examined the relationships between interpersonal sensitivity and a) protective measures against COVID-19; b) affiliation motivation, loneliness and current emotional state. The relationships were assessed employing correlation, regression and mediation analysis. The sample included 496 people (85,5% women and 14,5% men), aged 14—59 (M=20,42; SD=6,2).We used a survey including questions on adherence to social distancing recommendations and use of protective measures, the Russian versions of PANAS, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Mehrabian’s Affiliative Tendency and Sensitivity to Rejection Scales and Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure. The results show that interpersonal sensitivity increased in youth, positively correlated with negative affect, loneliness and fear of rejection, and negatively correlated with affiliation motivation, positive affect and self-reported psychological and physical state. Interpersonal sensitivity positively and affiliation motivation negatively predicted the choice of two protective measures: going out less and limiting contacts. Affiliation motivation mediated the relationship between interpersonal sensitivity and going out less.

Workshop: Predictors and developmental timing of mental health problems among sexual minority individuals

Abstract As consistently shown across studies from various parts of the world, sexual minority individuals (e.g., those identifying as lesbian, gay, and bisexual [LGB]) are significantly at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behavior when compared to heterosexuals. The increased risk for poor mental health among sexual minority populations is believed to be a consequence of LGB individuals’ increased exposure to specific social stressors related to navigating a stigmatized minority identity. Studies trying to explain health inequalities based on sexual orientation have mainly focused on so-called minority stress processes, such as discrimination, internalized homophobia, expectations of rejection, and stress of concealing one’s sexual orientation. This workshop will give examples of studies from various European countries on mental health predictors and trajectories by using various approaches such as population-based sampling, longitudinal data collection, and comprehensive theoretical frameworks. Dr. Gemma Lewis (University College London, UK) will present results showing that sexual orientation-based disparities in mental health are present already in early adolescence and increase throughout the school years. Arjan van der Star (Karolinska Institutet, Sweden) will present population-based data suggesting that openness about sexual orientation is not directly linked to lower risk of depression among sexual minorities, but is instead dependent on access to social support. Conor Mahon (Dublin City University, Ireland) will present results showing minority stressors as predictors of social anxiety among sexual minority men. Associate professor John Pachankis (Yale University, USA) will present results showing that, in addition to increased exposure to social stressors, barriers to societal integration can partially explain the elevated risk of suicidality among sexual minorities. Key messages Sexual minorities are a higher risk of mental health problems, such as depression, social anxiety, and suicidality, as compared to heterosexuals and these disparities can be identified early in life. Sexual orientation-based mental health disparities seem to be based both on disproportionate stigma-related stress and a higher prevalence of general risk factors for poor mental health.

Psychological Distress in Older Portuguese Gay and Bisexual Men: The Mediating Role of LGBT Community Connectedness

Objectives: Examining Psychological Distress (PD) among older Portuguese gay and bisexual men (GBM), and the mediator role of LGBT community connectedness (LGBTCC) of minority stress variables on PD. Methods: We performed a mediation analysis with LGBTCC as mediator between minority stress variables and PD with a sample of 110 elderly GBM. Results: We found moderate PD levels; LGBTCC was a significant mediator between concealment of sexual orientation and PD, but not between internalized stigma and expectations of rejection and PD. Conclusions: More attention is needed to Older Portuguese GBM’s mental health. LGBTCC is an important ameliorating factor for older GBM.

Minority Stressors, Rumination, and Psychological Distress in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals

This study tested the mechanisms by which social stigma contributes to psychological distress in lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. A large community sample (N = 4248, M age = 29.9 years, 42.9% female, 57.1% male, 35.7% bisexual, 64.3% lesbian/gay, 9.9% non-white) was recruited using targeted and general advertisements for an online cross-sectional survey. Participants completed measures of childhood gender nonconformity, prejudice events, victimization, microaggressions, sexual orientation concealment, sexual orientation disclosure, expectations of rejection, self-stigma, rumination, and distress. Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships between these variables in a model based upon minority stress theory and the integrative mediation framework with childhood gender nonconformity as the initial independent variable and distress (depression, anxiety, and well-being) as the final dependent variable. The results broadly support the hypothesized model. The final model had good fit χ2(37) = 440.99, p < .001, TLI = .96, CFI = .98, RMSEA = .05 [.05, .06] and explained 50.2% of the variance in psychological distress and 24.8% in rumination. Sexual orientation and gender had moderating effects on some individual paths. Results should be considered in the context of the cross-sectional nature of the data, which prevented tests of causality, and self-report measures used, which are vulnerable to bias. Findings indicate strong relationships between minority stressors and psychological distress in lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals, which are partially accounted for by rumination. These results may inform the development of interventions that address the added burden of minority stress among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.

Training Rejection Interpretation in Eating disordeRs (TRIER): Preliminary Findings of a Feasibility Study in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa

This study investigated expectations of social rejection in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Female adolescents (N = 24) admitted for hospital treatment completed both a positive interpretation bias training (experimental training) and a 50% positive and 50% negative interpretation bias training (control training), in a counterbalanced order, in two different testing sessions using a within-subjects design. The primary outcome for the training was the frequency of negative interpretations produced in the sentence completion task. At baseline, participants produced more negative than benign interpretations of ambiguous social scenarios (medium/large effect size). Following experimental training, participants produced fewer negative and more benign interpretations compared to control training (medium/large effect sizes). A trend for higher levels of self-esteem following virtual ostracism was found in the experimental condition compared to the control condition (small/medium effect size). Interpretation bias modification has the potential to improve resilience to rejection in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

Sexual Quality of Life in Homosexual and Bisexual Men: The Relative Role of Minority Stress

BackgroundMinority stress is an important risk factor for sexual problems in gay and bisexual men. It remains unclear whether and to what extent this stress is associated with the sexual quality of life in these groups. AimTo investigate the significance of minority stress as a factor explaining the sexual quality of life in gay and bisexual men. MethodsThe analysis is based on data collected in an Internet study on the sexuality of Polish gay, bisexual, and straight men. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the importance of minority stress in explaining the sexual quality of life in a group of 1,486 non-heterosexual men in the context of other predictors, including demographics, the level of current sexual function, sexual patterns and experiences, and mental and physical health. We used the Sexual Minority Stress Scale based on Ilan Meyer’s Minority Stress Model, with its subscales relating to internalized homophobia, expectation of rejection, concealment, and sexual minority negative events. The level of sexual functioning was evaluated using 2 scales, the International Index of Erectile Functioning and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool. Data on the remaining predictors were obtained using a survey that we developed. Main Outcome MeasuresThe men’s sexual quality of life as rated on the Sexual Quality of Life Scale for Men was a dependent variable. ResultsInternalized homophobia (β = −0.28; P < .001) and sexual minority negative events (β = −0.09; P < .001) were statistically significant predictors of sexual quality of life in non-heterosexual men. Internalized homophobia (β = −0.28; P < .001) and erectile function (β = 0.29, P < .001) turned out to be the strongest predictors. Sexual orientation (gay vs bisexual) and its interactions with individual processes of minority stress were statistically nonsignificant. Clinical ImplicationsTo evaluate and improve the sexual quality of life of non-heterosexual men, it is necessary to consider not only their sexual function, but also the minority stress they experience, particularly internalized homophobia. Strengths & LimitationsThe major strengths of the study include a large sample size, a comprehensive assessment of minority stress, and the previously understudied Central European cultural context. The major limitations are the nonrepresentative sampling, retrospective data collection, and cross-sectional design. ConclusionInternalized homophobia predicts poorer sexual quality of life in gay and bisexual men in Poland.Grabski B, Kasparek K, Müldner-Nieckowski Ł, et al. Sexual Quality of Life in Homosexual and Bisexual Men: The Relative Role of Minority Stress. J Sex Med 2019;16:860–871.

Beyond Happiness: Minority Stress and Life Meaning Among LGB Individuals

ABSTRACT Scholars have recently started to examine how minority stressors are associated with wellbeing outcomes among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. Such studies have examined mainly hedonic wellbeing, and those that have investigated eudaimonic wellbeing have tended to use composite measures. The present study draws from this literature to examine how minority stressors are associated with a key indicator of eudaimonic wellbeing: life meaning. Drawing from the minority stress model, we examined these associations using structural equation modeling among 266 LGB adults. Expectations of rejection and identity concealment, but not discrimination or internalized homophobia, had significant negative associations with life meaning. Discrimination had negative indirect associations with life meaning via expectations of rejection and concealment. Our results highlight the nuanced relations that exist between minority stressors and life meaning and highlight the need to move beyond composite measures of wellbeing. Implications for clinical practice and directions for research are discussed.

Cognitive and Emotional Components of Rejection Sensitivity: Independent Contributions to Adolescent Self- and Interpersonal Functioning.

In this article, we focus on rejection sensitivity (RS) in adolescents. Although the RS model distinguishes clearly between the emotional (i.e., anger and anxiety) and the cognitive (i.e., expectation of rejection) components, research has rarely examined their unique connection with psychological problems. We argue that considering the three components separately would provide additional insights regarding the relationship between RS and psychological problems. We aimed to test the goodness of fit of a three-factor solution and to investigate the validity of the three components separately in predicting self- and interpersonal functioning in adolescents. Indeed, 720 adolescents completed the Children's Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, self-reports of self- and interpersonal functioning (self-esteem and interpersonal reactivity), and peer ratings of preference and bothersomeness. The three-factor solution showed fit indexes comparable to the two alternative one-factor solutions underlying the traditional approach of the composite scores. More importantly, we found specific contributions of each of the three RS components in predicting different features of self- and interpersonal functioning. Thus, depending on the psychological problems under consideration, the role of the three RS components varies. We discuss the implications of these findings.

Experiences of transmasculine spectrum people who report nonsuicidal self-injury: A qualitative investigation.

Transgender populations experience mental and physical health disparities compared to nontransgender populations, including nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Guided by the minority stress theory and Nock's model of NSSI, this study explored perspectives of transmasculine spectrum people (i.e., people with a gender identity that is man, male, transgender man, genderqueer, or nonbinary and who were assigned female at birth) who engage in NSSI. Qualitative interviews were conducted with transmasculine spectrum people (N = 18) who reported a history of NSSI. Their mean age was 24.9 years old (SD = 5.43, range = 17-38). Participants reported that NSSI was influenced by a variety of factors including stress from gender nonconformity in childhood and adolescence. Stigma related to minority status and identity as well as proximal minority stress processes of concealment and expectations of rejection were identified as contributing to NSSI. Transgender identity development tasks such as coming out and identity exploration also appeared to affect NSSI. Finding a community of peers who engage in NSSI was helpful in mitigating social isolation, but at times reinforced NSSI. We discuss clinical implications at the individual and family levels. Interventions to reduce NSSI among transmasculine-spectrum people should include facilitating connections with gender minority peers and providing individual support and family interventions to facilitate transgender identity development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Mother-Adolescent Parentification, Enmeshment and Adolescents’ Intimacy: The Mediating Role of Rejection Sensitivity

The contribution of mother-adolescent parentification and enmeshment to adolescents’ ability to establish an intimate same-sex non-romantic best friend relationship as a function of rejection sensitivity were examined in a sample of 334 Israeli early and mid-adolescents using partial Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients and a mediation model. The bivariate correlation demonstrated, contrary to expectations, that both mother-adolescent parentification and enmeshment was positively correlated with adolescents’ intimacy. However, as expected, angry expectations and expectations of rejection were negatively correlated with adolescents’ intimacy. The mediation model indicated that mother-adolescent parentification was positively correlated with adolescents’ rejection sensitivity, which was negatively correlated with adolescents’ intimacy. Rejection sensitivity fully mediated the link between mother-adolescent parentification and adolescents’ intimacy. By contrast and again contrary to expectations, the direct path between mother-adolescent enmeshment and adolescents’ intimacy was significantly and positively correlated. The discussion centers on the theoretical implications of rejection sensitivity as a mechanism through which parentification with the mother impedes adolescents’ development of intimacy in the context of Israeli society.