Relations between discrimination, rejection sensitivity, negative affect, and decrements in problem‐solving ability following social rejection: An experimental investigation
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Published:2024-01-05
Issue:2
Volume:54
Page:233-249
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ISSN:0363-0234
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Container-title:Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Suicide & Life Threat Behav
Author:
López Roberto1ORCID,
Esposito‐Smythers Christianne1,
Defayette Annamarie B.2ORCID,
Harris Katherine M.1,
Seibel Lauren1,
Whitmyre Emma D.3
Affiliation:
1. George Mason University Fairfax Virginia USA
2. University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester New York USA
3. Children's National Hospital Washington District of Columbia USA
Abstract
AbstractIntroductionWhile negative affect and problem‐solving deficits have been consistently linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, the latter are often conceptualized and studied as time‐ and/or context‐invariant. Though requiring additional empirical support, theory suggests that discrimination may strengthen the relation between rejection sensitivity and increases in negative affect as well as declines in problem‐solving abilities following rejection. The aim of the current study was to test this claim using a social rejection paradigm (i.e., Cyberball) with young adults experiencing past‐month suicidal ideation.MethodsThe sample consisted of 50 participants. Lifetime discrimination and rejection sensitivity were assessed prior to Cyberball. Negative affect and problem‐solving abilities were assessed pre‐ and post‐Cyberball. SPSS and the PROCESS macro were used to test relations among variables of interest.ResultsRejection sensitivity predicted greater problem‐solving decrements, but not negative affect, following rejection among individuals who had experienced higher (vs. lower) levels of lifetime discrimination.ConclusionAddressing rejection sensitivity and sources of discrimination within the context of treatment may reduce the impact of social rejection on problem‐solving abilities among young adults at risk for suicide.
Funder
American Psychological Foundation
American Psychological Association of Graduate Students
Association for Psychological Science
George Mason University