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Abstract

Rejection presents a strong belonging threat, but how do individuals regain a sense of belonging? Would you be more attracted to a partner in an existing relationship if you were rejected by others? Participants completed a measure of trait forgiveness and were then asked to write either about a time they were rejected or accepted by someone other than their romantic partner. After the rejection manipulation, participants completed questionnaires regarding their feelings toward their current romantic partners. Participants reported greater attraction to their partners following the rejection manipulation, and the effect was moderated by trait forgiveness. When participants possessed low levels of trait forgiveness, rejection resulted in greater attraction toward their partners. The results suggest that existing relationships may act as a buffer for unforgiving individuals who experience an interpersonal rejection by a third party.

Publication Date

2013

Subject Major(s)

Psychology

Current Academic Year

Senior

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Chelsea A. Reid

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Daryl R. Van Tongeren

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Jeffrey D. Green

Sponsorship

Virginia Commonwealth University. Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

Is Part Of

VCU Undergraduate Research Posters

Rights

© The Author(s)

Love the One You’re With: Rejection and Trait Forgiveness Predict Partner Attraction

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