Relationship between Rejection Sensitivity, School Adaptation and Bullying in Elementary School Students

Abstract

  In this study, we develop a rejection sensitivity scale particularly for elementary school students（grades 4-6）. The scale can be used in Japanese educational settings based on Downey and Feldman’s 1996 definition of rejection sensitivity. Using this scale, the present study investigated the relationship between rejection sensitivity, school adaptation and damage due to bullying. About 350 elementary school students from grades 4 to 6 participated in the study survey. The survey was used to create a 3-factor rejection sensitivity scale with the factors “anticipating rejection and feelings of insecurity in interpersonal relationships,” “fear of and hypersensitivity to rejection,” and “anger toward and counterattacking rejection.” The scale was then used to investigate relationships between rejection sensitivity, school adaptation and damage due to bullying. As a result, it was suggested that rejection sensitivity was related to school adaptation, and children who were greatly affected by bullying also have a stronger sensitivity to rejection.