They show signs of low self-esteem and trouble believing in themselves. They have trouble containing emotions when they feel rejected. This is often noticeable in children and teenagers with this condition. Some may react with sudden shows of anger or rage, while others may burst into tears.

For example, when friends don't respond to a text message right away, a rejection-sensitive individual might think, “They no longer want to be friends with me.” Whereas someone without rejection sensitivity might be more likely to assume the friend is just too busy to reply.

Calculate a score of rejection sensitivity for each situation by multiplying the level of rejection concern (the response to question a) by the reverse of the level of acceptance expectancy (the response to question b). Take the mean of the resulting 9 scores to obtain the overall rejection sensitivity score.

The rejection sensitivity (RS) model posits that hypersensitivity to rejection cues, with its subsequent overreactions, is fallout from a normal learning process; rejection sensitivity is born of early, prolonged, or acute rejection experiences with caregivers and significant others.

Rejection sensitive dysphoria isn't a recognized diagnosis under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) so a professional diagnosis may not always be possible. To assess your symptoms, you'll need to see either a counselor, psychologist, or other mental health professional.

... Rejection sensitivity (RS) is conceptualized as a cognitive-affective processing disposition. High RS is characterized by a chronic tendency to "anxiously expect, readily perceive, and overreact to rejection" (Downey & Feldman, 1996, p. 1).