Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (A-RSQ)
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About Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (A-RSQ)
Scale Name
Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (A-RSQ)
Author Details
Kathy R. Berenson
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (A-RSQ) is a self-report measure designed to assess sensitivity to interpersonal rejection in adults. It was developed by Downey, Berenson, and Kang in 2006 as an extension of earlier work on rejection sensitivity in children and adolescents. The A-RSQ evaluates the tendency of individuals to anxiously expect, perceive, and overreact to social rejection.
This tool consists of a series of hypothetical social situations where rejection might occur, followed by questions assessing the respondent’s level of concern or anxiety about rejection and their perceived likelihood of being rejected. The measure is widely used in clinical, research, and social psychology settings to explore constructs related to interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. The A-RSQ is particularly valuable in understanding how rejection sensitivity contributes to various psychological conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and attachment-related issues.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a copy: Secure a copy of the Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire along with scoring instructions.
- Explain the purpose: Let participants know that the scale explores their sensitivity to rejection in social situations.
- Provide instructions: Instruct respondents to read each scenario carefully and rate their reactions based on the provided scales.
- Approximate time: The questionnaire typically takes 10–15 minutes to complete.
- Administer the scale: Ensure a comfortable and confidential environment for respondents to complete the questionnaire.
Reliability and Validity
- Reliability: The A-RSQ demonstrates high internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients reported above 0.85 in various studies.
- Validity: It has strong construct validity, correlating significantly with measures of attachment insecurity, social anxiety, and interpersonal distress. The questionnaire has been validated across diverse populations, enhancing its applicability.
Available Versions
09-Items
Reference
Downey, G., Berenson, K. R., & Kang, J. (2006). Adult rejection sensitivity questionnaire. Journal of Research in Personality.
Downey, G., & Feldman, S. I. (1996). Implications of rejection sensitivity for intimate relationships. Journal of personality and social psychology, 70(6), 1327.
Berenson, K. R., Gyurak, A., Ayduk, O., Downey, G., Garner, M. J., Mogg, K., Bradley, B. P., & Pine, D. S. (2009). Rejection sensitivity and disruption of attention by social threat cues. Journal of research in personality, 43(6), 1064–1072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2009.07.007
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary purpose of the A-RSQ?
The A-RSQ measures an individual’s sensitivity to perceived or anticipated social rejection.
Q2: Can this scale be used in clinical settings?
Yes, it is frequently used in clinical settings to assess rejection sensitivity in adults.
Q3: How are the scores interpreted?
Higher scores indicate greater rejection sensitivity, which may suggest heightened vulnerability to interpersonal distress.
Q4: Is this tool suitable for all age groups?
The A-RSQ is specifically designed for adults and may not be appropriate for children or adolescents.
Q5: What psychological conditions are associated with rejection sensitivity?
Rejection sensitivity is linked to conditions such as social anxiety, depression, and attachment insecurity.
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