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'Feeling constantly kicked down': A qualitative phenomenological study exploring rejection sensitivity in autistic
Alvin van Asselt1, Yvette Roke1, Sander M Begeer2
1GGz Centraal, The Netherlands.
Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice
|October 2, 2025
Summary
Autistic adults experience profound rejection sensitivity, leading to overwhelming emotional and physical distress. This qualitative study highlights its debilitating impact and the need for further research into interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurodiversity Studies
Background:
- Autistic individuals face higher social rejection risks.
- Autistic adults report extreme sensitivity to social rejection on social media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of heightened rejection sensitivity in autistic adults.
- To understand the impact of rejection sensitivity on daily life for autistic adults.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study using purposive sampling via social media.
- 19 autistic adults (aged 21-71) participated in semi-structured interviews.
- Interpretative phenomenological analysis and synthesized member checking were employed.
Main Results:
- Participants described rejection sensitivity as overwhelming, causing exhaustion, emotional distress, and physical symptoms.
- Responses included intense anticipation/perception of rejection, physical tension, pain, and reliving past rejections.
- Predisposing factors identified as autistic traits and lifelong rejection experiences; coping strategies showed varied success.
Conclusions:
- Heightened rejection sensitivity is a debilitating yet overlooked experience for autistic adults.
- Further quantitative research is needed on prevalence, contributing factors, impact, and interventions.
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