Examining appearance-based rejection sensitivity during early adolescence

The present study of 150 adolescents (M age = 13.05 years) examined the associations between appearance-based rejection sensitivity (Appearance-RS) and psychological adjustment during early adolescence, and evaluated three types of other-gender peer experiences (other-gender friendship, peer acceptance, and romantic relationships) as moderators. Appearance-RS was found to be uniquely related to two types of social anxiety, but not to self-esteem. Other-gender friendship emerged as a protective factor, whereas high other-gender peer acceptance emerged as a risk factor (especially for boys), after controlling for same-gender mutual best friendship involvement and peer acceptance. Results highlight the importance of distinguishing between different types of other-gender peer experiences during early adolescence and suggest that Appearance-RS during adolescence warrants further investigation.