Rejection Sensitivity, Resilience and Marital Attitude in Young Adults Seeking Marriage Proposals

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between interpersonal rejection sensitivity, resilience, and marital attitudes among young adults seeking marriage proposals. The study also investigated whether interpersonal rejection sensitivity and resilience significantly predicted marital attitudes and whether differences existed between men and women. A correlational research design was employed, and data were collected through a non-probability purposive sampling technique from (N=150) young adults. Participants completed measures assessing Rejection sensitivity questionnaire (Downey & Feldman, 1996), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and Marital Attitude Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product–moment correlation, simple linear regression, and independent-samples t-tests. The findings indicated that interpersonal rejection sensitivity was not significantly related to overall marital attitude, although small positive associations were observed with the respect and meaning dimensions. Resilience was also not significantly associated with overall marital attitude, while a small negative association was observed with romance. Regression analyses further showed that neither interpersonal rejection sensitivity nor resilience significantly predicted marital attitude. Gender comparisons revealed no significant differences between men and women in interpersonal rejection sensitivity or resilience. However, a significant gender difference was found in overall marital attitude, with women reporting more favorable attitudes toward marriage than men. Significant gender differences were also observed in the respect, trust, and financial dimensions of marital attitudes. Overall, the findings suggest that general interpersonal rejection sensitivity and resilience may not independently explain marital attitudes among young adults seeking marriage proposals. Instead, marital attitudes may be influenced by broader interpersonal, cultural, familial, and gender-related factors. The findings highlight the importance of considering relationship expectations, cultural norms, and specific dimensions of marital attitudes in premarital counseling and future research.