Social rejection can have severe impacts on an individual's mental health. Some individuals may find it more challenging to cope than others. This research examines which psychological factors contribute to differences in resilience.
Social rejection is defined as "the feeling that one does not belong within a specific group" (1). There are many causes for rejection, including physical appearance, behavioral patterns, personal traits, beliefs, values, and attitudes (2). Rejected people may feel lonely, helpless, depressed, anxious, and even suicidal (3).
Some individuals do not experience prolonged distress despite social exclusion. These 'resilient' individuals may thrive without their peers, while others suffer from long-term symptoms of stress.
Research suggests that personality, self-esteem, and coping strategies play significant roles in determining resilience to rejection (4). Personality refers to an individual's unique set of traits and behaviors that define them (5). Resilient individuals tend to be extraverted, conscientious, agreeable, open-minded, emotionally stable, and sociable (6). In contrast, neuroticism is linked with greater vulnerability to social rejection (7). Self-esteem is the level of confidence and worthiness someone feels about themselves (8). Higher self-esteem is associated with lower sensitivity to rejection (9). Individuals with low self-esteem are particularly at risk for negative effects (10).
Coping strategies refer to how people respond to challenges and stressors. Active coping includes problem-solving, planning, and seeking support (11). Passive coping involves avoidance or denial of problems (12). Active coping has been linked with better outcomes than passive coping (13).
Individuals who use both active and passive coping strategies have higher levels of resilience than those who rely on just one approach (14). This suggests that a combination of different coping mechanisms can be more effective than using only one strategy.
There is no simple formula for becoming resilient to rejection.
Certain psychological factors, such as personality, self-esteem, and coping strategies, may contribute to why some individuals thrive despite being ostracized. Understanding these characteristics could help develop interventions to improve resilience and reduce social isolation.
Which psychological factors explain why some individuals thrive despite social rejection while others experience prolonged distress?
Several psychological factors may contribute to resilience and coping with social rejection. Firstly, an individual's self-esteem plays a critical role in how they react to rejection. Individuals who have high levels of self-esteem are more likely to view themselves as capable and worthy regardless of external circumstances. They tend to believe that their worth is not contingent on acceptance from others.