Examination of the relationship between rejection sensitivity, parental attitudes and self-esteem in young adults

The primary aim of this research is to examine the relationship between rejection sensitivity, parental attitudes, and self-esteem in young adult individuals. Additionally, the study investigates whether these variables differ based on demographic factors. The sample of the study consists of voluntary young adults aged 18-29 residing in Istanbul. Scales were applied to 402 volunteer participants. An "Informed Consent Form" was provided to inform participants about the study. During the data collection phase, the "Sociodemographic Information Form," the Rejection Sensitivity Scale (RSS), the Perceived Parental Attitudes Scale-Child Form (EMBU-C), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were utilized. For data analysis, independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA were used for inter-group comparisons; Pearson correlation analysis was employed for correlation analyses. The correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between young adults' rejection sensitivity and perceived parental overprotectiveness and rejection attitudes, while a negative relationship was found with perceived parental emotional warmth attitudes. Self-esteem was negatively related to perceived parental overprotectiveness and rejection attitudes, and positively related to perceived parental emotional warmth attitudes. Additionally, the correlation between rejection sensitivity and self-esteem was found to be significant and negative. In the intergroup comparison analyses conducted, it was concluded that young adults' rejection sensitivity varies based on their education level, whom they live with, the number of siblings, and perceived socioeconomic status. Among perceived parental attitudes, it was found that the mother's emotional warmth differs according to participants' education level, their parents' education level, marital status, socioeconomic status, and number of siblings. The father's emotional warmth, on the other hand, varies according to the participants' gender, education level, their parents' education level, socioeconomic status, number of siblings, and birth order. While the mother's overprotectiveness differs based on education level, the father's overprotectiveness varies according to birth order. The mother's rejection varies according to participants' education level, the mother's education level, socioeconomic status, and number of siblings, whereas the father's rejection differs based on gender, education level, the mother's education level, socioeconomic status, number of siblings, birth order, and whom they live with. Finally, it was found that young adults' self-esteem varies according to gender, education level, their father's education level, perceived socioeconomic status, whom they live with, and birth order. The results obtained were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature, and suggestions were provided. Keywords: Rejection Sensitivity, Perceived Parental Attitudes, Self-Esteem