While no one enjoys beingrejected, some people are more sensitive to social rejection than others.
These people expect to be rejected all the time.
This behavior creates a painful cycle that can be difficult to break.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
They tend to respond dramatically to any hint that someone doesnt want to be with them.
They may even respond with hurt and anger.
Here are the factors that influence these overreactions.
Facial Expressions
People with rejection sensitivity ofter misinterpret or overreact to various facial expressions.
Subjects of the study did not show the same results when looking at individuals who showed anger or disgust.
This observation was in line with individuals who do not experience rejection sensitivity.
They also remain alert for more cues that theyre about to be rejected.
And, they may even exhibitfight-or-flight behavior.
Misinterpreted Behavior
Hypersensitivity to rejection will often cause individuals to distort and misinterpret the actions of others.
Whereas someone without rejection sensitivity might be more likely to assume the friend is just too busy to reply.
This is known asattention bias.
Conversely, someone who ranks low in rejection sensitivity might view the same circumstances as a great success.
That person may focus on the nine positive interactions and pay little attention to the one rejection.
Theyre also vigilant in observing and monitoring the moods and behaviors of others and areoverly sensitiveto interpersonal problems.
Someone with rejection sensitivity may constantly look for proof that other people are rejecting them.
They also crave close relationships.
Yet, their fear of rejection can leave themfeeling lonelyand isolated.
When a situation doesnt have social repercussions, they may be able to handle those rejections differently.
Causes of Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity isnt resulting from one single factor.
Instead, there may be many factors at play.
Some possible causes includechildhood experienceslike critical parents and bullying, along with biological factors and genetics.
Here is a closer look at the factors that may lead to rejection sensitivity.
Childhood Experiences
Early experiences of rejection, neglect, and abuse may contribute to rejection sensitivity.
However, the rejection doesnt always need to be direct to have an impact.
Rejection-sensitive children also are more likely to behave aggressively.
They showed heightened distress following an ambiguous social interaction with a peer.
Likewise, children who feel bullied or ostracized also may grow up to fear rejection more than others.
Biological Vulnerability
Its also thought that some people may have a biological vulnerability to rejection sensitivity.
Here is a closer look at those two factors.
This reaction to rejection can lead to people-pleasing behavior as well as extensive ingratiating behaviors.
Rejection-sensitive people respond to life in a way that is meant to protect them from pain.
Unfortunately, their behaviors often backfire.
Ultimately, that may cause the friend to retreat even more, which increases the sense of rejection.
Meanwhile, others with rejection sensitivity may avoid all situations and relationships where they might be rejected.
Consequently, they may feel extremely isolated and lonelywhich essentially leads to their biggest fears coming true.
To them, rejection is a judgment of their worth and value as a person.
And, in relationships, this belief system can be disastrous.
When someone is expecting rejection, it’s hard to feel safe in relationships.
Here’s a closer look at how rejection sensitivity can impact relationships.
Effects on Adolescents
Rejection sensitivity may start as early as the teenage years.
They often misinterpret events and reactions because theyre hyper-vigilant about being rejected.
These behaviors may lead to irrational jealousy because the individual is terrified of being abandoned or rejected.
One study found that men are lonelier and more rejection sensitive when theyre not in a romantic relationship.
But women who rank high in rejection sensitivity arent likely to experience relief from being in a relationship.
Still, both men and women who fear rejection may struggle to establish close romantic relationships.
Their efforts are frequently directed toward avoiding conflict and rejection rather than establishing intimacy and growth.
For instance, rejection sensitivity is a risk factor for developing depression and can worsen existing symptoms.
One study found that breakupsand the rejection associated with themmay be more likely to trigger depression in women.
Furthermore, researchers discovered a link between rejection sensitivity and suicidal thoughts in psychiatric patients.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
One way to do this is to look for alternative explanations for the behavior instead of assuming the worst.
Start by talking to your physician, who can assist you with determining the appropriate next steps.
But learning how to build deeper, healthier connections is key to reducing loneliness and isolation.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Summary
Rejection sensitivity is not something you should ignore.
In fact, symptoms often worsen over time if they’re left untreated.
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