Rejection sensitivity: exploring the link between attachment pattern and psycho-social adjustment in early adolescence

Abstract

Internal working models of self and the social world are shaped by early attachment relationships. When adolescents attachment is insecure, they are at increased risk for anxiety, low self-esteem, aggression, hostility and non compliance. What are the mechanisms that link attachment insecurity to these negative outcomes? A few studies have looked at emotion-regulation difficulties, self-esteem and negative attributions as mediators. Although anxiety about acceptance and fear of rejection is the core of attachment insecurity, the mediating role of rejection sensitivity has not yet been tested. newlineRejection sensitivity is the disposition to defensively expect, perceive and overreact to perceived rejection by others (Downey and Feldman, 1996). People with high rejection sensitivity behave in ways that undermine relationships and are more distressed following rejection. The present study aims to examine rejection sensitivity as a mediator of the link between attachment insecurity and psychosocial maladjustment in early adolescence. It is hypothesized that more insecurely attached adolescents would have higher rejection sensitivity and, hence, more emotional and behavioral problems. Attachment security, rejection sensitivity, psychosocial adjustment were measured in a sample of 406 Indian adolescents (Age=12-14yrs, Girls=44%) from 11 randomly selected schools. Respondents completed the Semi Structured Interview Schedule (Developed by the researcher), Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA; Armsden and Greenberg, 1987), Behavioural Systems Questionnaire (Furman and Wehner, 2001). Children s Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (Downey, 1998) and Child Behaviour Checklist- 6- 18 and YSR (Achenbach et al, 2001). The three dimensions of attachment measured by the IPPA are degree of mutual trust, quality of communication and extent of alienation. Alienation from mother is the strongest predictor of rejection sensitivity and maladjustment in early adolescence.