Exploring the Association Between Rejection Sensitivity and Reactive Aggression: A Multi-Method Research

This multi-method study examines the relationship between rejection sensitivity and reactive aggression, extending prior research from intimate relationships to broader interpersonal contexts. Across three studies, Study 1 ( n = 1,104) used a cross-sectional dataset with both variable-centered (correlation) and person-centered (latent profile analysis, LPA) approaches to identify overall associations and high-risk subgroups. Study 2 ( n = 139) employed a daily diary method to assess reactive aggression in everyday life, testing the ecological validity of the link. Study 3 ( n = 134) used a quasi-experimental design with the Competitive Reaction Time Task (CRTT) to provide preliminary evidence on the directionality of the relationship in a laboratory setting. Study 1 revealed a significant positive association, and the LPA identified a subgroup with high rejection sensitivity exhibiting elevated aggression. Studies 2 and 3 confirmed these findings in real-world and controlled contexts, respectively. Together, the results provide robust, multi-method evidence that rejection sensitivity is linked to reactive aggression across diverse interpersonal situations, offering new theoretical and empirical insights to inform interventions aimed at reducing aggression associated with rejection sensitivity.