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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES, REJECTION SENSITIVITY, AND NEURODIVERGENCE

Abstract

Rejection-Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is a psychological phenomenon that describes an oversensitivity to social rejection and increased emotional distress due to the anticipation of negative social cues. RSD is widely discussed but understudied, leaving questions about its origins and impact on neurodivergent individuals. Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often report intense emotional reactivity and perceived rejection. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between rejection sensitivity and neurodivergent traits, specifically whether rejection sensitivity stems from experiences of trauma or executive functioning traits common in neurodivergent populations. Using validated scales, a diverse sample of students (n = 97), including individuals diagnosed with or self-identifying with ADHD/ASD, reported having some extent of rejection sensitivity. Correlational analyses revealed a significant positive relationship between autistic traits and rejection sensitivity (r = .45, p < .001), as well as a significant positive relationship between ADHD traits and rejection sensitivity (r = .32, p < .001). There was also a significant positive correlation between trauma and rejection sensitivity (r = .45, p < .001). These findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of neurodivergent traits experience stronger emotional reactions to potential rejection, pointing to a possible neurological basis for RSD. However, patterns in the data also indicate that childhood trauma especially repeated invalidation, criticism, or misunderstanding may amplify these reactions over time. The results support a model in which RSD arises from both neurobiological emotional reactivity and environmental influences. Furthermore, the strongest positive correlation emerged between autistic traits and ADHD traits (r = .50, p < .001), reinforcing existing research that ADHD and ASD frequently co-occur and influence similar emotional processes. Understanding these origins can contribute to better recognition of RSD, guide trauma-informed interventions, and improve support for neurodivergent individuals across educational, social, and mental-health settings.

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