Rejection Sensitivity: Signs, Causes, and Coping Strategies

Rejection from a friend, partner, or family member is a distressing experience.​
Author: Laura Petracek

---

KEY POINTS

• Rejection sensitivity is a heightened sensitivity to perceived rejection or criticism in social situations.
• Rejection sensitivity is linked to various mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
• Effective coping strategies include cognitive restructuring and emotion regulation.​​

---

​Rejection from a friend, partner, or family member is a distressing experience.
Source: Photo by Dexon Dave Silva

---

Rejection sensitivity, a term coined by psychologist Geraldine Downey, refers to an individual's heightened sensitivity to perceived rejection or criticism in social situations. This phenomenon can have significant implications for mental health and interpersonal relationships. Research suggests that rejection sensitivity can stem from early experiences of rejection, neglect, or invalidation, which may contribute to hypersensitivity to social cues (Downey & Feldman, 1996).

The Impact of Rejection Sensitivity on Mental Health
Numerous studies have linked rejection sensitivity to various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Individuals with high levels of rejection sensitivity may experience chronic feelings of inadequacy, social anxiety, and avoidance of social interactions (Ayduk et al., 2003). Moreover, the constant fear of rejection can contribute to a negative self-image and persistent feelings of loneliness and isolation

Rejection sensitivity can also significantly impact interpersonal relationships, leading to difficulties forming and maintaining close connections. Individuals with high rejection sensitivity may engage in self-protective behaviors such as avoiding emotional intimacy, preemptively ending relationships, or overreacting to perceived rejection, which can strain relationships and lead to conflict. (Mendoza-Denton et al., 2002).
​
Effective Coping Strategies and Interventions
Cognitive Restructuring: Cognitive-behavioral techniques such as cognitive restructuring can help individuals challenge and reframe negative thoughts and beliefs about rejection, reducing the intensity of emotional reactions. Through this process, individuals can develop a more balanced and realistic perspective on rejection, leading to greater emotional resilience.

Emotional Regulation: Learning practical emotion regulation skills, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques, can help individuals manage intense emotional responses triggered by perceived rejection (Berenson et al., 2009). Individuals can navigate challenging social situations with greater ease and composure by cultivating a greater awareness of their emotions and employing effective coping strategies.

Communication Skills: Improving communication skills and assertiveness can empower individuals to express their needs and boundaries effectively in relationships, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts (Downey et al., 2000). Straightforward and assertive communication can foster mutual understanding and respect in relationships, helping mitigate rejection sensitivity's impact on interpersonal dynamics.

Therapy and Support: Seeking therapy, particularly approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), can provide individuals with the tools and support needed to address underlying issues related to rejection sensitivity and improve overall mental well-being.

Rejection sensitivity can have profound effects on mental health and interpersonal relationships, but it is not insurmountable. By understanding the underlying factors contributing to rejection sensitivity and employing effective coping strategies and interventions, individuals can learn to navigate social interactions more confidently and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

References
Downey, G., & Feldman, S. I. (1996). Implications of rejection sensitivity for intimate relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 70(6), 1327–1343.

Mendoza-Denton, R., Downey, G., Purdie, V. J., Davis, A., & Pietrzak, J. (2002). Sensitivity to status-based rejection: Implications for African American students’ college experience. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(4), 896–918.

Ayduk, Ö., Downey, G., Testa, A., Yen, Y., & Shoda, Y. (1999). Does rejection elicit hostility in rejection-sensitive women? Social Cognition, 17(2), 245–271.
​
Berenson, K. R., Gyurak, A., Ayduk, Ö., Downey, G., Garner, M. J., Mogg, K., & Pine, D. S. (2009). Rejection sensitivity and disruption of attention by social threat cues. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 19(3), 491–505.

About the Author: 
​Laura Petracek, Ph.D., LCSW, is the author of The DBT Workbook for Alcohol and Drug Addiction and The Anger Workbook for Women. ​
Online:
Personal Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram