Social-Experience and Temperamental Predictors of Rejection Sensitivity: A Prospective Study

Abstract

<jats:p> Rejection sensitivity (RS) is the tendency for individuals to anxiously expect, readily perceive, and overreact to interpersonal rejection. Existing theory presumes that early experiences of rejection cause RS, although few studies have assessed this prospectively. Also relatively unstudied are individual differences in temperament that may contribute to RS. In a longitudinal study, we examined whether early social experiences and individual differences in temperament predict RS assessed subsequently. Results showed that positive early social experiences (ages 6 and 9 parents’ relationship quality and age 9 peer support) negatively predicted RS at age 12 and that negative affect (ages 6 and 9) positively predicted age-12 RS. These findings may have important implications for RS-reduction efforts and for understanding the many domain-specific manifestations of RS. </jats:p>

Are there negative cycles of peer victimization and rejection sensitivity? Testing ri-CLPMs in two longitudinal samples of young adolescents

“…For example, some adolescents who experience victimization might also experience positive social interactions, such as having a good friend. Having good relationships with parents or high levels of peer support has been associated with lower levels of rejection sensitivity in adolescents (McDonald et al, 2010), even in longerterm longitudinal studies (Araiza et al, 2020). Hence, positive relationships might compensate for any negative effect of peer victimization on rejection sensitivity.…”

Minority Stress and Loneliness in a Global Sample of Sexual Minority Adults: The Roles of Social Anxiety, Social Inhibition, and Community Involvement

“…People high in NA have a negative view of themselves and others, and are more likely to perceive benign or ambiguous situations in a negative or threatening manner (Brief et al, 1988 ; Watson & Clark, 1984 ). In addition, a longitudinal study with adults found that negative affectivity predicts rejection sensitivity in early childhood (Araiza et al, 2020 ). In addition, a longitudinal study with adults found that neuroticism—closely related to NA—predicts loneliness over 15 years (Mund & Neyer, 2016 ).…”

Self-silencing Mediates the Relationship Between Rejection Sensitivity and Intimate Partner Violence

“…It is possible that individuals who perpetrate IPV behaviors seek out partners who appear sensitive to rejection or willing to ingratiate themselves. RS and IPV have common risk factors stemming from negative childhood experiences: past experiences of child abuse and adolescent IPV are predictive of IPV victimization and perpetration in adulthood (Manchikanti Gómez, 2011) and childhood experiences with parental rejection and maltreatment are predictors of RS later in life (Downey et al, 1997; see also Araiza et al, 2019). Additionally, experiencing peer rejection early in life may lead to both increased peer victimization (due to a lack of social support) and increased endorsement of aggression as a legitimate response (Dill et al, 2004).…”

“…First, this study used a cross-sectional design. Despite theoretical evidence to suggest RS develops in childhood (Araiza et al, 2019; Downey et al, 1997), before dating and intimate relationships begin, the cross-sectional design limits our ability to make causal conclusions. Future work should test the proposed mediation models using longitudinal methods.…”