Rejection Sensitivity and Self-Regulation of Daily Interpersonal Events

Abstract

The present research case sought to illustrate how self-regulatory patterns of interpersonal behavior manifest within a rejection sensitive individual at the daily level. Cross-sectional research has demonstrated negative relational outcomes associated with rejection sensitivity, but less attention has been paid to how this manifests in daily relational events. Expanding upon prior research evaluating the daily interpersonal functioning of those with high rejection sensitivity in a large sample, the research case study of Mary demonstrates how findings from research may manifest within a rejection sensitive individual who was asked to rate her interpersonal events over the course of a week. For Mary, covariations among her interpersonal perceptions suggest a negativity bias that may be basis of a self-fulfilling prophecy, in which her rejection expectancies come to be realized through her treating agency as unfriendly behavior. The implications for psychotherapy of interpersonal patterns typically observed in rejection sensitive clients are discussed.