Past perspective is related to present relationships: Past-positive and negative time perspectives differentially predict rejection sensitivity

Rejection sensitivity (RS) is a trait that may affect the quality of social relationships. Individuals high in RS exhibit maladaptive behaviors and poor interpersonal skills. RS develops from early childhood experiences of rejection. We examined whether one's past time perspective (positive or negative) predicted RS regardless of reported past social experiences. Two studies measuring demographics, Big Five personality factors (Study 1) as well as childhood rejection experiences (Study 2), and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory found that even after controlling for such variables, more past-negative time perspective led to higher RS while more past-positive time perspective led to lower RS. We discuss how past social rejections and time perspective may interact and discuss future work on the two constructs.