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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)