Rejection sensitivity mediates the relationship between social anxiety and body dysmorphic concerns

The goal of this study was to examine the role of rejection sensitivity in the relationship between social anxiety and body dysmorphic concerns. To test our hypothesis that rejection sensitivity mediates the link between social anxiety and body dysmorphic concerns, we administered self-report questionnaires to 209 student volunteers. Consistent with our prediction, rejection sensitivity partially mediated the relationship between social anxiety symptoms and body dysmorphic concerns. The implications of the overlap between these constructs are discussed.

► Social anxiety and body dysmorphic concerns are highly related constructs.
► Rejection sensitivity mediates the link between social anxiety and body dysmorphic concerns.
► Rejection sensitivity may be particularly related to the cognitive aspects of body dysmorphic concern.