Etiological Pathways to Rejection Sensitivity in a High-Risk Sample. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Godleski, Stephanie A.; Eiden, Rina D.; Kachadourian, Lorig; Lucke, Joseph F.
• Is Part Of: Personality & social psychology bulletin. Volume 45:Number 5(2019)
• Page Start: 715
• Page End: 727
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: rejection sensitivity -- maternal harshness -- family conflict; Personality -- Periodicals; Social psychology -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1177/0146167218795486
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-1672

Abstract

Rejection sensitivity is associated with social–emotional maladjustment in both childhood and adulthood. However, less is known about the etiology of rejection sensitivity. The present study tests an etiological model for rejection sensitivity using a high-risk sample ( N = 227) with prospective data from infancy (i.e., 12 months) to adolescence (i.e., eighth grade). Evidence for social learning and attachment theories was demonstrated. In particular, family and parenting factors, such as family conflict and maternal harshness, were predictive of rejection sensitivity in adolescence. Implications for intervention and prevention efforts are discussed.