Self-Silencing and Rejection Sensitivity in Adolescent Romantic Relationships

• NCJ Number: 214990
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2006 Pages: 459-467
• Author(s): Melinda S. Harper; Joseph W. Dickson; Deborah P. Welsh
• Date Published: June 2006
• Length: 9 pages
• Grant Number(s): HD39931
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the link between sensitivity to rejection, self-silencing behaviors, and depressive symptoms among adolescent dating couples.

Abstract

The study found that dating adolescents who were sensitive to rejection reported more depressive symptoms and higher levels of self-silencing behaviors (withdrawal from verbal interactions with dating partners) compared to dating adolescents who were not as sensitive to rejection. Self-silencing was found to be a partial mediator of the link between sensitivity to rejection and depressive symptoms. This suggests that withdrawal from verbal interaction with dating partners as a response to perceived rejection or in order to avoid rejection may result in depressive symptoms. Preliminary analyses found no gender differences in reports of depressive symptoms; however, boys reported significantly more self-silencing behaviors in their romantic relationships compared to girls. Previous findings that adolescent boys often suppress their thoughts in romantic relationships in order to maintain harmony with their partners may be the beginning of this developmental trajectory that research has identified in adult men. Data came from the Study of Tennessee Adolescent Romantic Relationships. Participants were recruited from a pool of 2,195 adolescents who were attending 17 East Tennessee high schools. They participated in a survey on dating behaviors in September 2000 and September 2002. The final sample consisted of 211 adolescents and their romantic partners. Depression was measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Depression Scale. Sensitivity to rejection was measured with the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, which includes 18 situations designed to assess rejection anxiety. The Silencing the Self Subscale assessed the extent to which respondents inhibited self-expression in order to avoid conflict or possible dissolution of an intimate relationship. 1 table, 2 figures, and 53 references