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Measurement and manifestations of rejection sensitivity among emerging adults in a computer-mediated context
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Murzyn, Theresa. Measurement and manifestations of rejection sensitivity among emerging adults in a computer-mediated context. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3D79FM3

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TitleMeasurement and manifestations of rejection sensitivity among emerging adults in a computer-mediated context
NameMurzyn, Theresa (author); Hart, Daniel (chair); Cook, Daniel T (internal member); Nave, Christopher S (outside member); Rutgers University; Camden Graduate School
Date Created2018
Other Date2018-01 (degree)
SubjectChildhood Studies, Rejection (Psychology)
Extent1 online resource (x, 167 p. : ill.)
DescriptionThe three studies in the present dissertation explore rejection sensitivity’s (RS) effect on how emerging adults interpret and respond to social cues in computer-mediated contexts. Rejection sensitivity has been defined as a defensive personality disposition characterized by a propensity to anxiously expect rejection and respond intensely to perceived rejection. Yet, much remains to be understood about how RS is manifested in behavior, especially in digital contexts where emerging adults spend much time communicating with peers. Research also has yet to validate online formats of the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ) used to determine one’s level of RS. In Study 1, I administered a modified online version of the abbreviated RSQ to an undergraduate sample to analyze the structure of the underlying RS construct. Results suggested RS to consist of two distinct dimensions: rejection affect and rejection expectancy. Study 2 investigated RS’ effect on participants’ responses to an ambiguous rejection cue following an instant messaging conversation with an unknown peer. Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of two explanations for why the chat must end. Those given the ambiguously rejecting explanation were expected to respond more negatively than those given the alternative explanation. Moreover, those with higher RS were expected to demonstrate comparatively more distress from the ambiguously rejecting explanation than others. However, rejection expectancy had only a general negative impact on mood, which indirectly impacted other post-experimental outcomes. Study 3 looked more closely at participants’ communication patterns during the IM conversation before silence was administered to determine if either anxiety or anger associated with rejection expectations predicted use of selected communication features or word categories. Rejection anxiety was associated with contributing more responses to the conversation whereas rejection anger was not associated with any communication features. Despite RS’ minimal observed impact, future studies are encouraged to look to communication patterns as a potential personality signature for RS that can be tested for relationships with mood, situational construal, and other psychological processes. Research is also encouraged to consider the effects of one’s developmental stage and familiarity with online communication on RS manifestations in digital contexts.
NotePh.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
NoteIncludes vita
Noteby Theresa Murzyn
Genretheses, ETD doctoral
Persistent URLhttps://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3D79FM3
Languageeng
CollectionCamden Graduate School Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
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