INTERPERSONAL REJECTION SENSITIVITY: TOWARD EXPLORATION OF A CONSTRUCT

This paper addresses the construct of interpersonal rejection sensitivity (IRS) as a phenomenon experienced by individuals in varying intensities. Selected theoretical frameworks are highlighted, as are developmental perspectives and research findings on the topic. Explication of this construct and better understanding by nurses of the pain felt by clients who experience rebuff could lead to more effective and sensitive interventions in a diversity of sittings. It is hoped that thoughtful exploration of this construct will lead to testable applications for practice.