Neurodivergence, Perceived Stigma, and Rejection Sensitivity

Abstract

Neurodivergence describes people whose brains and cognitive processes differ from the general population. Neurodivergent disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc. Rejection sensitivity is defined as hypervigilance about being rejected and intense reactions to rejection. Previous research has found that individuals with neurodivergent disorders are often treated more poorly by peers than neurotypical people. The first hypothesis is people diagnosed with a neurodivergent disorder are more likely to perceive stigma from others. The second hypothesis is rejection sensitivity mediates the relationship between the diagnosis of a neurodivergent disorder and perceptions of external stigma. The Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination (PDD) Scale will be used to measure perceived external stigma, and the Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (ARSQ) will be used to measure rejection sensitivity. Results are expected to show that (1) neurodivergent participants will have higher levels of rejection sensitivity and are likely to perceive external stigma, and (2) rejection sensitivity will act as a mediator in the relationship between being diagnosed with a neurodivergent disorder and perceiving external stigma.

Start Time

16-4-2025 11:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 12:00 PM

Room Number

271

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

UG Orals

Presentation Category

Social Sciences & Business

Faculty Mentor

Ginette Blackhart

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Apr 16th, 11:00 AM Apr 16th, 12:00 PM

Neurodivergence, Perceived Stigma, and Rejection Sensitivity

271

Neurodivergence describes people whose brains and cognitive processes differ from the general population. Neurodivergent disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc. Rejection sensitivity is defined as hypervigilance about being rejected and intense reactions to rejection. Previous research has found that individuals with neurodivergent disorders are often treated more poorly by peers than neurotypical people. The first hypothesis is people diagnosed with a neurodivergent disorder are more likely to perceive stigma from others. The second hypothesis is rejection sensitivity mediates the relationship between the diagnosis of a neurodivergent disorder and perceptions of external stigma. The Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination (PDD) Scale will be used to measure perceived external stigma, and the Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (ARSQ) will be used to measure rejection sensitivity. Results are expected to show that (1) neurodivergent participants will have higher levels of rejection sensitivity and are likely to perceive external stigma, and (2) rejection sensitivity will act as a mediator in the relationship between being diagnosed with a neurodivergent disorder and perceiving external stigma.