Rejection Sensitivity and Psychological Well-Being: Moderating Role of Self-Esteem and Socio-Demographics

Rejection and sensitivity towards being rejected damages self-concept and psychological well-being. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between rejection sensitivity and psychological well-being. Another aim of the study was to examine the moderating effects of self-esteem and socio-demographics of gender, age, family system, and the number of friends on the relationship between rejection sensitivity and psychological well-being. A quantitative survey research design was used, and a series of moderation models were tested. Participants’ age range was between 13-26 years. Adolescents (n = 112; M = 16 years, SD = 2.49 ) and emerging adults (n = 189; M = 23 years, SD = 2.12) who belonged to nuclear (n = 181) or combined family systems (n = 120) and had limited friends (n = 185) or numerous friends (n = 116) were selected. Almost an equal number of boys (n = 150) and girls (n = 151) responded to the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale. Findings indicated that rejection sensitivity was a significant negative predictor of psychological well-being and accounted for 14% of the variance in the outcome measure. Self-esteem was a non-significant predictor and a weak moderator in relating rejection sensitivity and psychological well-being. Participants, i.e., boys, emerging adults, belonging to the nuclear family system, and with more friends reported having more psychological well-being than their counterparts. The study has intrapersonal and interpersonal behavioral implications at individual, social, and community levels to safeguard from counterproductive behaviors. Parents, teachers, policymakers, psychologists, and mental health practitioners can practically benefit from the findings to foster positive behavior and implement prevention-intervention support.