Experiential Avoidance as a Mediator between Rejection Sensitivity and Social Interaction Anxiety

Authors: Marcella L. Sintos, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
Email: marcella_sintos@dlsu.edu.ph
Published: December 14, 2017
https://doi.org/10.22492/ijpbs.3.2.02

Citation: Sintos, M. L. (2017). Experiential Avoidance as a Mediator between Rejection Sensitivity and Social Interaction Anxiety. IAFOR Journal of Psychology & the Behavioral Sciences, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.22492/ijpbs.3.2.02


Abstract

Due to the overarching and related concepts involved in interpersonal sensitivity, this study aimed to look at the differences between, and relationships of, some of its concepts by explaining the mediating effect of experiential avoidance on rejection sensitivity and social interaction anxiety. One hundred fifty-nine undergraduates within the National Capital Region, aged 16 to 40 (M = 19.29, SD = 2.89), and comprising 89 females and 70 males participated in the study. Results show that both rejection sensitivity and experiential avoidance significantly affect social interaction anxiety. Also, a full mediation occurs when experiential avoidance serves as a mediator. This is explained through the occurrence of habitual coping, whereby the cognitive aspect of behavior (in this case, rejection sensitivity) becomes dormant and unnecessary. Some variables which may have possibly accounted for the relationship between these concepts may be considered for future research to validate and better understand the findings of this study.

Keywords

experiential avoidance, rejection sensitivity, social interaction anxiety