The Interaction of Rejection Sensitivity and Effortful Control in the Prediction of Interpersonal Dysfunction
Abstract
Social isolation and exclusion can be detrimental to the individual both psychologically and physically, and it is natural that human beings fear rejection.Rejection Sensitivity (RS) has been conceptualized as the extent to which individuals anxiously expect to be rejected by others in important relationships.High RS has been found to correlate with the presence of interpersonal difficulties.High-RS individuals are likely to perceive rejection in ambiguous behaviors of others and become reactive in response, leading to unstable relationships.Effortful Control (EC), which includes Attentional, Inhibitory, and Activation Control, represents the capacity to override one's automatic tendencies and substitute an adaptive alternative response (Rothbart, 2007).Studies have found that high self-regulatory capacities, such as EC may be protective against the development of psychopathology and interpersonal problems in the case of individuals with high RS.For example, in a cross-sectional study, Ayduk and colleagues (2008) found that RS correlated with BPD symptoms most strongly at low levels of Attentional Control.The aims of the current study were to replicate and extend these findings in several ways.First, the current study was a prospective one assessing whether EC moderates the relationship between RS and change in BPD symptoms over time.Second, the current study investigated whether the interaction of RS by EC predicted specific iii facets of BPD and explored the role of…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 298 participants or records.
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