Rejection sensitivity, interpersonal rejection, and attention for emotional facial expressions

Rejection sensitivity (RS), attention for depression-relevant stimuli, and interpersonal rejection are established risk factors for depression. RS has previously been associated with increased attention for socially threatening faces, but has not been examined in the context of specifically depression-relevant stimuli. The current study examined whether RS influences attention for emotional facial expressions in the context of social rejection or inclusion.

Participants (n = 180) completed a self-report measure of RS and a free viewing eye tracking task before and after an experimental task (Cyberball) in which participants were randomized to be included or rejected.

Hierarchical linear regressions predicting change in attention to emotional faces revealed significant effects only for sad faces. Higher RS was associated with increased attention for sad faces from pre- to post-Cyberball. Cyberball condition moderated the effect with participants in the rejection condition demonstrating increased attention for sad faces, but with no significant relationship in the inclusion condition.

Our sample had relatively low levels of RS and depression.

Consistent with interpersonal and cognitive models of depression, we found that RS was associated with increased attention for sad faces when participants were interpersonally rejected. Results provide preliminary evidence that rejection sensitivity may contribute to depression vulnerability via increased attention to depression-relevant information in the context of interpersonal rejection. Further research including clinically depressed participants and using longitudinal approaches are necessary to confirm this potential relationship.