Social rejection is an experience that can have a significant impact on one's psychological wellbeing. Prolonged social rejection can lead to difficulties with emotional regulation, attachment, and relational trust. It can also affect cognitive functioning and self-esteem. This article will explore how these aspects are affected by prolonged social rejection or discrimination.
Emotional regulation refers to the ability to manage and control one's emotions. Prolonged social rejection can lead to heightened levels of negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, anger, and sadness. Individuals who experience prolonged social rejection may become more prone to rumination, which is the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts. This can further worsen their mood and increase feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Individuals may develop maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance or withdrawal, which can impede their ability to effectively manage their emotions.
Attachment refers to the emotional bond between individuals. Prolonged social rejection can disrupt this bond and reduce the sense of security and safety that comes from close relationships. Individuals who experience prolonged social rejection may struggle to form new attachments and may be less likely to feel comfortable in interpersonal situations. They may also have difficulty trusting others and forming intimate relationships.
Relational trust is the belief in another person's intentions and reliability. Prolonged social rejection can erode trust because it signals a lack of acceptance and support from others. Individuals who experience prolonged social rejection may question whether they deserve love and belonging and may doubt the authenticity of other people's positive interactions with them. This can make it difficult for them to establish healthy relationships and engage in trust-building behaviors.
Prolonged social rejection or discrimination can significantly impact emotional regulation, attachment, and relational trust. It is important to recognize the role of prolonged social rejection in these areas and work towards addressing its effects through therapy, self-care, and community involvement.
How does prolonged social rejection or discrimination influence emotional regulation, attachment, and relational trust?
Prolonged social rejection or discrimination can have significant impact on an individual's ability to regulate their emotions, form secure attachments with others, and develop trusting relationships. Studies have shown that chronic experiences of rejection or exclusion can lead to increased sensitivity to negative stimuli, decreased positive affect, and heightened anxiety levels (e. g. , Leary et al. , 2019).