Using the gay-related rejection sensitivity scale to predict mental health outcomes of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men

Abstract

Previous researchers in the social and health sciences have reported that people who identify as men who have sex with men (MSM) as at risk for various mental health concern and face additional challenges when living in cultures which induce feelings of minority stress. Because of this, some MSM may feel anxious about rejection or believe they will be rejected based on their sexual identity. This is known as gay-related rejection sensitivity. The impact rejection sensitivity has on MSM mental health in Oklahoma was investigated to understand how rejection sensitivity impacts positive psychological constructs such as hope and self-compassion, as well as clinical issues such as anxiety, depression, and internalized homophobia. Additionally, researchers investigated if living in a more rural area predicted higher levels of reported rejection sensitivity. These research questions were addressed using regression models. Analyses revealed that higher levels of gay related rejection sensitivity predicted decreased self-compassion, and hope agency, as well as increased feelings of depression and anxiety, even when controlling for factors such as county of residence, level of income, and age. Higher levels of gay-related rejection sensitivity did not predict lower hope pathways or increased internalized homophobia. Finally, level of rurality did not predict higher levels of gay related rejection sensitivity. Researchers propose continued investigation into the impact that rejection sensitivity might have on MSM populations and address limitations, implications, and discussion of the current study.