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Prevention

The mediating role of interpersonal distress in the relationship between rejection sensitivity and psychic pain.

(PS9-97) The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Distress in the Relationship Between Rejection Sensitivity and Psychic Pain

Saturday, November 16, 2024

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EST

Location: Franklin Hall, Level 4, Marriott Downtown

Author(s)

MS

May Stern, B.A.

Graduate Student
Rutgers University
Highland Park, New Jersey, United States

Co-Author(s)

NC

Nicole M. Cain, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Rutgers University
Piscataway, New Jersey, United States

Abstract Text:

Objective: Psychic pain (PP) is described as an overwhelming flood of negative affect and a loss of self-control, which has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes and engagement in self-destructive behaviors (Maltsberger, 2004). A recent study found that psychological pain is associated with thoughts of suicide, psychological distress, reduced social support, and feelings of social disconnection (Kealy et al., 2023). The relationship between psychological pain, suicidal thoughts, and social disconnection dovetails with past research on the impact of interpersonal problems and rejection sensitivity (RS) on psychopathology (Jiang et al., 2021; Girard et al., 2017). Research has shown that that individuals high in RS are at risk for experiencing interpersonal distress (Cain et al., 2017). Given the limited research on PP and the clinical impact of RS and interpersonal distress, the goal of this research is to better understand the relationship between these three clinically-relevant constructs.

Method: Subjects were 114 community participants who completed the 32-item Inventory of Interpersonal Problems – Short Circumplex (IIP-SC; Hopwood et al., 2008), the 12-item Psychic Pain Scale (PPS; Tillman et al., 2017), and the 9-item Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ; Downey & Feldman, 1996).

Results: Significant positive correlations were found between RS, PP, and interpersonal distress. Interestingly, results also suggest a mediation model where high levels of RS predicted high PP, which was mediated by high interpersonal distress.

Discussion: Results point to an important relationship between RS, PP, and interpersonal distress, such that individuals high in RS may experience high levels of PP through the pathway of elevated interpersonal distress. Furthering our understanding of the relationship between RS and PP will allow us to intervene more specifically for those at risk of social disconnection and suicidal ideation and behavior. For example, interventions such as interpersonal effectiveness skills may prove useful when working with individuals high in RS to reduce their interpersonal distress and subsequent PP. We will discuss the clinical implications of our results.