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Purdie, V., & Downey, G. (2000). Rejection sensitivity and adolescent girls' vulnerability to relationship-centered difficulties. Child Maltreatment, 5, 338-350. |
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Examined whether sensitivity to rejection from peers and teachers predicts how adolescents negotiate the romantic relationships in which they subsequently become involved. Data were drawn from 154 minority, economically disadvantaged girls who completed a measure of sensitivity to rejection from peers and teachers when in Grades 6, 7, or 8 (Children's Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire), and who also completed a structured interview on their dating relationships 1 year later (Peer and Romantic Relationships Interview). Rejection sensitivity prospectively predicted insecurity about a boyfriends' commitment and also a willingness to do things known to be wrong to maintain the relationship. Rejection sensitivity predicted more physical aggression and nonphysical hostility during romantic conflicts. Implications for a relationship-centered approach to adolescentgirls' characteristic vulnerabilities are discussed.

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