Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate whether the path of rejection sensitivity to depression may differ depending on sub-factors of rejection sensitivity and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies. 300 college students (98 Males, 202 females) completed online self-report questionnaires to measure rejection sensitivity, maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, and depression. Data were analyzed with SPSS AMOS 26.0. Results showed that all sub-factors of rejection sensitivity uniquely predicted depression. Furthermore, there were significant indirect effects of catastrophizing and self-blame on anxiety about rejection and depression, and the direct effect of anxiety about rejection was also significant. There was a significant indirect effect of catastrophizing on anger about rejection and depression, but the direct effect of anger about rejection was no longer significant. In the case of rejection expectation, only the direct effect leading to depression was significant without going through each maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategy. This study provides clinical implications that will be useful in providing tailored interventions based on the types of negative emotions expected in rejection situations and subsequently lower the level of depression in rejection-sensitive individuals.