Rejection Sensitivity Research Articles

Rejection sensitivity and Turnover Intention During COVID-19: The Moderating Effect of Extraversion

The COVID-19 pandemic has largely disrupted the life of sojourners. This study investigates factors that affect sojourners’ turnover intention during the pandemic. We hypothesize a positive relationship between sojourners’ intercultural rejection sensitivity and their turnover intention. Meanwhile, deeply rooted in the trait activation theory, we hypothesize that extraversion strengthens this relationship. Using two-wave data and a sample of sojourners working/studying at a southeastern U.S. university, we found that intercultural rejection sensitivity positively relates to sojourners’ turnover intention during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, extraversion moderates this relationship, such that the positive relationship between intercultural rejection sensitivity and turnover intention is stronger when extraversion is high. These findings extend our understanding of sojourners’ turnover intention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The effect and mechanism of acceptance and commitment therapy for young adults’ appearance-based rejection sensitivity and social comparison based on appearances : A randomized controlled trial

The effect and mechanism of acceptance and commitment therapy for young adults’ appearance-based rejection sensitivity and social comparison based on appearances : A randomized controlled trial

거부민감성과 대인관계 유능성간의 관계에서 자기자비의 조절효과 - 중학교 1학년 대상으로

Objectives This study aimed to examine the moderating effect of self-compassion on the relationship between rejection sensitivity and interpersonal competence among first-year middle school students. Methods For this purpose, a survey consisting of rejection sensitivity, interpersonal competence, and self-compassion scales was conducted on first-year male and female students attending five middle schools in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (3 in Jeju City, 2 in Seogwipo City), and a total of 465 people were surveyed. Data is used for analysis. The data were subjected to hierarchical regression analysis using SPSS 23.0 to confirm the moderating effect. Results The moderating effect of self-compassion was confirmed in the relationship between rejection sensitivity and interpersonal competence. When rejection sensitivity was high, the effect of self-compassion was found to be minimal, but when rejection sensitivity was low, it was confirmed that the higher the self-compassion, the higher the interpersonal competence. Conclusions Although adolescents with high rejection sensitivity are likely to experience less interpersonal competence, this suggests that increasing the level of self-compassion through a self-compassion promotion program can alleviate the decline in interpersonal competence caused by rejection sensitivity. Lastly, the significance of this study and the application and suggestions for counseling intervention were discussed.

Fathers' rejection sensitivity: Links with fathers' and children's social information processing

AbstractObjectiveJoining efforts to reveal how fathers affect their children's social competence, we examined whether fathers' rejection sensitivity was associated with biases in their children's social information processing. We also explored whether this link was indirect via biases in fathers' social information processing of their children's peer interactions and, in particular, fathers' behavioral responses.BackgroundChildren's social information processing biases predict their social competence and well‐being. Studies have explored how mothers' rejection sensitivity may impact children's social information processing. Yet, little is known about the role of fathers in this context.MethodParticipants were 85 fathers living in Israel (68.24% Jewish; 31.76% Arab) and their kindergarten children (55.29% female; MChild age in months = 68.70, SD = 5.59). Fathers completed the Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire and reported their attributions, emotions, and likely behaviors in ambiguous hypothetical scenarios that might suggest a rejection of their child by peers using the Peer Rejection Scenarios measure. Children were interviewed using the Social Information Processing Interview–Preschool Version, tapping hypothetical peer interactions.ResultsFathers' rejection sensitivity was indirectly related to children's generation of maladaptive responses to ambiguous peer interactions through fathers' reports of their more negative emotions and overinvolved behavioral responses.ConclusionResults underscore the role of fathers' rejection sensitivity and emotional and behavioral responses in children's social information processing.ImplicationsThe study points to the need to consider paternal rejection sensitivity in research and interventions focused on promoting children's social competence.

내현적 자기애가 관계중독에 미치는 영향: 정신화로 조절된 거부민감성의 매개효과

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the moderated mediating effect of mentalization through rejection sensitivity on the relationship between covert narcissism and relationship addiction. Methods A total of 400 adult men and women, aged 18-39 participated in this study by completing the following questionnaires: Covert Narcissism Scale, Relationship Addiction Questionaire, The Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, Mentalization Scale. Data analysis was conducted through SPSS 25.0 and SPSS PROCESS Macro version 4.1. Results The results of this study were as follows: First, the relationship between all variables was statistically significant. Second, rejection sensitivity was partially mediated between covert narcissism and relationship addiction. Third, the mentalization was moderated between rejection sensitivity and relationship addiction. Fourth, the moderated mediating effect of mentalization on the relationship between covert narcissism, rejection sensitivity and relationship addiction was found. Conclusions Implications of these results and suggestions for future studies are discussed.

How Is Rejection Sensitivity Linked to Non-Suicidal Self-Injury? Exploring Social Anxiety and Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy as Explanatory Processes in a Longitudinal Study of Chinese Adolescents.

Early adolescents are at high risk for non-suicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI). Based on the Rejection Sensitivity Model, the Experiential Avoidance Model, and the Affect Regulation Model of Self-Injury, this study aimed to explain how rejection sensitivity was related to NSSI among adolescents by unraveling the mediating role of social anxiety and the moderating role of regulatory emotional self-efficacy (RESE) in this relationship. A three-wave longitudinal investigation with a three-month interval was conducted among 726 adolescents (Mage = 13.47, SD = 0.95; 46.0% girls) from a middle school in North China. The Cross-Lagged Panel Models (RI-CLPMs) were utilized to estimate the associations among the study variables. The results indicated that the incidence rates of NSSI in the three measurements among adolescents were 33.3%, 30.3%, and 24.1%, respectively. Adolescents' rejection sensitivity and NSSI showed a declining trend over time. Furthermore, rejection sensitivity predicted NSSI through the longitudinal mediating effect of social anxiety. RESE played a protective role in adolescents' NSSI, but its moderating effect was not significant. The findings increase our understanding of the association between rejection sensitivity and NSSI in adolescents, and they benefit educators in conducting targeted interventions through improving adolescents' rejection sensitivity and social anxiety to reduce the risk of NSSI.

Cumulative stressor exposure predicts menstrual cycle affective changes in a transdiagnostic outpatient sample with past-month suicidal ideation.

Affective responses to the menstrual cycle vary widely. Some individuals experience severe symptoms like those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, while others have minimal changes. The reasons for these differences are unclear, but prior studies suggest stressor exposure may play a role. However, research in at-risk psychiatric samples is lacking. In a large clinical sample, we conducted a prospective study of how lifetime stressors relate to degree of affective change across the cycle. 114 outpatients with past-month suicidal ideation (SI) provided daily ratings (n = 6187) of negative affect and SI across 1-3 menstrual cycles. Participants completed the Stress and Adversity Inventory (STRAIN), which measures different stressor exposures (i.e. interpersonal loss, physical danger) throughout the life course, including before and after menarche. Multilevel polynomial growth models tested the relationship between menstrual cycle time and symptoms, moderated by stressor exposure. Greater lifetime stressor exposure predicted a more pronounced perimenstrual increase in active SI, along with marginally significant similar patterns for negative affect and passive SI. Additionally, pre-menarche stressors significantly increased the cyclicity of active SI compared to post-menarche stressors. Exposure to more interpersonal loss stressors predicted greater perimenstrual symptom change of negative affect, passive SI and active SI. Exploratory item-level analyses showed that lifetime stressors moderated a more severe perimenstrual symptom trajectory for mood swings, anger/irritability, rejection sensitivity, and interpersonal conflict. These findings suggest that greater lifetime stressor exposure may lead to heightened emotional reactivity to ovarian hormone fluctuations, elevating the risk of psychopathology.

The Association of Genetic Polymorphisms and Atypical Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review.

Atypical depression (AD) is a clinical subtype of depression characterised by mood reactivity and at least two of the following features: significant weight gain/increased appetite, hypersomnia, leaden paralysis, and/or interpersonal rejection sensitivity. The role of genetics in the development of depression remains a considerable level of interest among individuals. Due to the large number of breakthrough studies in genetics, there is currently a wealth of heterogeneous data on the existence of genetic markers for depression, including AD. However, it appears that there is a gap in the literature, as we were unable to identify any systematic reviews or meta-analyses that comprehensively describe these data. Therefore, our research aims to provide high-quality, solid evidence for further studies in this area. Electronic bibliographic databases (Scopus, MEDLINE) were systematically searched from inception to September 2023. We searched for any specific genetic markers that could be retrieved associated with AD. The quality of studies has been assessed by means of the Q-genie tool. Nine studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected, which appeared to link genetic polymorphisms to atypical depression. Four studies examined genetic polymorphisms associated with the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT), three studies examined genetic polymorphisms associated with endocrine regulation, two studies considered genetic polymorphisms associated with immune and/or cellular regulation, specifically the melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 2 (MCHR2), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) genes involved in the regulation of energy balance. The extracted data confirm that the atypical type of major depressive disorder is heritable to a certain extent. Individual risk markers for developing this type of depression may be identified in the future.

Rejection Sensitivity: A Concept Analysis

Purpose: This study conducted a concept analysis of rejection sensitivity using the Walker and Avant method, to clarify its defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences. So, this contributes to a deeper understanding of its role in interpersonal relationships.Methods: Walker and Avant’s framework, this concept analysis included a thorough literature review across multiple disciplines. The literature was extracted from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and RISS.Results: Rejection sensitivity is a psychological construct encompassing several attributes, including rejection expectation, perception of rejection, and reaction to perceived rejection. This trait is influenced by various antecedents, including early life experiences, attachment style, and cultural factors. The consequences or events associated with rejection sensitivity span multiple domains and can significantly affect an individual’s life.Conclusion: According to interpersonal psychology and attachment theory, problem behavior in adolescents is a state of unsatisfied affection for parents and a response to feelings of unacceptance. Rejection sensitivity is particularly important in the Korean culture because of cultural factors.

Neuroimaging markers of phenomena of perceived stigmatization in people with and without mental disorders: a systematic scoping-review

Summary. Along with traditional research on psychiatric stigma, there has recently been increasing interest in the neurobiological factors associated with stigmatization.Aim: to study the most common research methods in the studies of the neurobiological correlates of stigmatization phenomenon and its components, as well as to systematize their results, taking into account their methodological limitations.Materials and Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR extension. Studies were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO using the Ovid platform. After evaluating 2358 articles according to inclusion, non-inclusion, and exclusion criteria, 20 articles were included in the final analysis.Results: The most of the studies were conducted on samples of healthy respondents without a control group (14 articles). The mean age of respondents ranged from 18.8 [1.0] to 42.7 [14.7] years. Psychiatric stigma was studied in 2 studies; in the remaining articles, various components of stigma were studied, among which social rejection sensitivity was most often studied (13 articles). Among fMRI paradigm the Cyberball social exclusion task was used more often (10 articles). Changes in neural activity, correlating with the severity of stigma and its constituent constructs, were found in the anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, insula, thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, ventral region of the striatum, putamen, amygdala.Conclusion: Functional magnetic resonance studies can be an effective tool for verifying and assessing the dynamics of the psychological state of people experiencing the phenomenon of stigmatization.

Mindset, Resilience, and Rejection Sensitivity in Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Background: Individuals with physical disabilities often experience social rejection, leading to heightened rejection sensitivity. Mindset and resilience may play crucial roles in how these individuals cope with rejection sensitivity, but their relationship has not been fully explored.Objective: To examine the relationship between mindset, resilience, and rejection sensitivity in individuals with physical disabilities, and to determine if mindset and resilience predict rejection sensitivity.Methods: A correlational research design was used, with a purposive sample of 70 participants (41 males, 29 females) from public colleges and universities in Lahore. Data were collected using the Mindset Inventory (Dweck, 1999), State-Trait Resilience Scale (Hiew, 1999), and Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression were applied.Results: A fixed mindset was positively correlated with rejection sensitivity (r = 0.38, p < 0.01). Resilience did not significantly predict rejection sensitivity. Demographic factors like family system (β = 0.31, p < 0.01) and education (β = -0.27, p < 0.05) were significant predictors.Conclusion: Fixed mindset was linked to increased rejection sensitivity, while resilience did not predict it. Interventions should focus on modifying fixed beliefs to reduce rejection sensitivity in individuals with physical disabilities.

Why rejection sensitivity leads to adolescents' loneliness: Differential exposure, reactivity, and exposure‐reactivity models

AbstractIntroductionRejection sensitivity is considered a risk factor for loneliness; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Adopting the constructs of exposure, reactivity, and exposure‐reactivity from the personality framework, this study investigated three models of rejection sensitivity, bullying victimization, and loneliness to reveal why rejection sensitivity leads to loneliness among Chinese early adolescents.MethodsUsing a longitudinal design, three‐wave data were obtained (with approximately 6‐month intervals) from 2381 Chinese early adolescents (51.2% boys at Time 1, Mage = 13.38, SD = 0.59) from 7 secondary schools. Students reported on their rejection sensitivity at Time 1, bullying victimization at Times 1 and 2, and their loneliness at Times 2 and 3. A longitudinal moderated mediation model was conducted to analyze the association between variables.ResultsPath analyses demonstrated that rejection sensitivity was associated with greater loneliness for adolescents in which association was mediated by bullying victimization. High levels of rejection sensitivity exacerbate the adverse effect of bullying victimization on loneliness. Furthermore, in line with the differential exposure‐reactivity model, the effect of rejection sensitivity on loneliness mediated by bullying victimization only existed for high rejection‐sensitive adolescents.ConclusionsThe findings emphasize the dual role of rejection sensitivity in the development process of adolescents' loneliness and highlight the importance of identifying rejection‐sensitive adolescents for intervention and prevention efforts.

Examining the causal effects of social exclusion on shame and dissociative detachment

Background and objectivesDissociative detachment experiences (e.g., derealization, absorption) underpin much psychopathology and are often researched in relation to co-occurring affective states such as shame, the latter being known to occur in situations involving actual or perceived negative social evaluation. The association between shame and dissociative detachment may also be moderated by individual differences in people's need to belong. The goal of the present study was to experimentally investigate the effects of social exclusion on shame and dissociative detachment depending on perceivers' need to belong. MethodsAfter measuring individual differences in need to belong and shame proneness, the Cyberball paradigm was utilized to communicate either social inclusion or exclusion. Following Cyberball, a sample of 281 participants completed measures of state shame and state dissociation. ResultsSocial exclusion increased dissociative detachment, and these effects were mediated by increases in state shame. These effects were particularly evident among people with a high need to belong. LimitationsOther individual differences such as rejection sensitivity may also moderate the relationship between exclusion and shame. While Cyberball can be used to investigate shame, it can only induce shame via social exclusion, whereas shame can also be elicited in other ways such as performance failure. ConclusionsSocial exclusion can elicit shame, which is most acutely felt by those with a strong need to belong, and this aversive experience appears to be managed by dissociative detachment.

Effect of Self-representation on Aggression: Mediating Effect of Rejection Sensitivity Controlled by Social Support

Effect of Self-representation on Aggression: Mediating Effect of Rejection Sensitivity Controlled by Social Support

Predicting relationship outcomes from rejection sensitivity in romantic couples: testing actor and partner effects

This study sought to test actor and partner effects of rejection sensitivity on romantic relationship outcomes. In total, 200 participants (100 mixed-sex couples; mean age = 36.17 ± 11.11 years) completed questionnaire measures at a single timepoint. After controlling for participant age and relationship duration, results showed that personal rejection sensitivity, but not partner rejection sensitivity, predicted self-report relationship outcomes for both men and women. Higher levels of rejection sensitivity were associated with lower levels of relationship satisfaction and relationship commitment, and higher levels of jealousy and self-silencing behaviour. Rejection sensitivity was unrelated to relationship investment. Multiple mediation models further demonstrated that anxious and avoidant attachment styles mediated associations between rejection sensitivity and relationship outcomes. Analyses of couple similarity in rejection sensitivity showed that couples report worse relationship outcomes when both partners score high on rejection sensitivity. Overall, the study provides evidence that rejection sensitivity has an important role in relationship outcomes among couples. Creating awareness of the role of rejection sensitivity in relationship outcomes might be a useful approach to improving relationship quality.

Social exclusion: differences in neural mechanisms underlying direct versus vicarious experience.

Social exclusion stands as a source of social discord and holds substantial research value. Prior investigations on social exclusion have overlooked the interactive relationship between the excluded individuals and the observers. Hence, this study comparatively explores the neural mechanisms underlying the psychological responses of two distinct roles within the same social exclusion context. A total of 35 pairs (19 pairs of females) participated in the experiment. Within each pair, one individual assumed the role of a socially excluded participant (target), while the other acted as a social exclusion observer. Targets engaged in an online ball-passing game where controlled ball allocations to the participants created an exclusion scenario. Meanwhile, observers spectated the targets playing the game. Throughout the ball-passing activity, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) recorded the blood oxygen data in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and temporoparietal junction (TPJ) of both participants. Our findings revealed varied levels of rejection sensitivity elicited by direct or observed social exclusion experiences. Additionally, distinct patterns of neural activation were observed: targets displayed conditional differences in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), while male observers exhibited conditional activation differences in the mPFC, and female observers showed conditional activation differences in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). This study juxtaposes the behavioral and neural activation variances between targets and observers within the same social context, offering a novel perspective on investigating the neural mechanisms of social exclusion.

Effect of rejection sensitivity on SNS addiction tendency in college students: the mediating effect of experiential avoidance and social anxiety

Effect of rejection sensitivity on SNS addiction tendency in college students: the mediating effect of experiential avoidance and social anxiety

Parental Phubbing and Cyberloafing in Chinese Adolescent: The Mediating Roles of Rejection Sensitivity and Loneliness

Parental Phubbing and Cyberloafing in Chinese Adolescent: The Mediating Roles of Rejection Sensitivity and Loneliness

Associations Between ADHD Symptoms and Rejection Sensitivity in College Students: Exploring a Path Model With Indicators of Mental Well-Being

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and rejection sensitivity in college students, and whether it is mediated or moderated by elements of mental well-being. Using a cross-sectional design, the study examined 304 Hungarian college students who responded online to a set of questionnaires that included the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, The Mental Health Test, and the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire. Path analysis indicated that well-being, creative/executive proficiency, self-regulation, and resilience partially mediated the relationship between ADHD symptoms and rejection sensitivity, while savoring moderated this link. The model explained up to 50% of the total variance in rejection sensitivity scores. Findings suggest that university students with ADHD symptoms may particularly benefit from acquiring savoring skills to enhance their mental well-being and lower rejection to sensitivity. As such, the results carry significant implications for counseling psychologists, educators, and mental health professionals working in the higher education sector.

Vicarious heterosexism-based stress induces alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis craving and negative affect among sexual minority young adults: An experimental study

PurposeSexual minority young adults are at increased risk for hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorder compared to heterosexual adults. Heterosexism-based stressors contribute and often explain inequities in alcohol outcomes. However, the extant research primarily relies on correlational designs, and often neglects the importance of alcohol craving, despite its foundational role in addiction. Leveraging a novel experimental mood induction paradigm, this study examined the effects of exposure to vicarious heterosexism-based stress on alcohol craving and negative affect among sexual minority young adults who drink heavily. We also examined its effects on cannabis and nicotine craving among participants who used cannabis and nicotine, respectively. Lastly, we examined moderating factors that could influence the impact of exposure to heterosexism-based stress on alcohol craving. MethodsParticipants were 101 heavy drinking sexual minority young adults, ages 20–35 (M = 26.46 years old; SD = 3.49), recruited from the community (51.5% female sex assigned at birth; 76.3% cisgender; 51.5% plurisexual; and 42.6% racial and ethnic minorities). They completed three mood induction trials counterbalanced over three visits on different days: heterosexism stress, general stress, and neutral. Structured interviews assessed criteria for DSM-5 alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use, and self-report measures assessed lifetime traumatic stressors. ResultsMost participants met criteria for past-year AUD (74.7%). Exposure to heterosexism stress produced more negative affect and substance craving than the neutral mood induction, even while controlling for demographic variables and lifetime exposure to traumatic and heterosexism stressors. Exposure to heterosexism-based stress had large effects on alcohol craving among participants who had greater drinking to cope motives and heterosexism-specific rejection sensitivity, whereas the effects were small for those who had lower drinking to cope motives and heterosexism-specific rejection sensitivity. Demographic, lifetime stress, prior alcohol use, and AUD symptom severity variables were not significant moderators. Greater substance craving induced by heterosexism-based stress in the laboratory was associated with greater recent and current substance use. ConclusionsThis study findings show that vicarious exposure to heterosexism elicits negative mood and alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine craving among sexual minority young adults who engaged in heavy drinking. The effects for alcohol craving were largest among those who endorse high levels of drinking to cope motives and heterosexism-based rejection sensitivity. These findings have implications for oppression-based stress and motivational models of addiction.