Examining the Interplay of Rejection Sensitivity, Self-Compassion, and Communication in Romantic Relationships

This cross-sectional study examined the potential associations between rejection sensitivity, self-compassion, self-silencing, and couple communication patterns in a college undergraduate population. Participants (n=205) attended group data collection sessions in campus computer labs where they completed an online survey. Multivariate path analyses did not support the hypothesis that self-silencing mediates the relationship between rejection sensitivity and couple communication patterns. Self-compassion also did not moderate the relationship between rejection sensitivity and self-silencing. However, post-hoc analyses revealed that self-compassion moderated the previously established relationships between rejection sensitivity and depression, and rejection sensitivity and relationship satisfaction. These findings indicate that self-compassion may serve as a buffer between rejection sensitivity and specific intrapersonal and interpersonal outcomes. Implications and future directions are discussed.