Abstract
Rejection sensitivity (RS) was evaluated as a moderator of the relationship between perceptions of others and interpersonal behavior over the course of a week. Participants (n = 240) were non-clinical young adults who completed a 7-day event-contingent experience sampling study of interpersonal perception and affect. Multilevel linear models indicated that those with high RS were less agentically responsive to their interaction partner's agency and positive affect. Further, those with high RS exhibited cold, unfriendly behavior in response to their interaction partner's negative and subdued affect. Findings suggest an avoidant stance in those with high RS, which may aim to avoid but likely invites the very rejection they fear. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
•Rejection sensitivity (RS) fosters a self-perpetuating cycle of relational problems.•However, few studies evaluate longitudinal patterns of functioning in high RS.•Participants completed a 7-day event-contingent experience sampling study.•Those with high RS disconnect when perceiving low, negative affect in others.•This stance aims to avoid but likely invites the very rejection those with RS fear.