The Science Behind Rejection: Healthy Ways To Process Getting Told ‘‘No’’
Rejection is something everyone will experience from time to time. Whether it’s a job you interviewed for and didn’t get or a potential partner who turned you down, being told “no” can be a frustrating and even distressing experience. Even when a person tries to put it lightly, there are few “rejected” synonyms that can soften the experience, with a noun like “denial” or a verb like “repudiate” doing little to ease the pain of rejection or avoid hurt feelings. Despite the difficulty of this situation, it’s normal for human beings to experience these feelings, and there are ways to get through rejection. Let’s look at how the brain processes rejection and examine healthy ways to cope when you experience it.
Why does rejection hurt so much?
The endogenous opioid system is the set of neurons in the brain that’s responsible for controlling social distress and reward. Interestingly, the system is also in charge of managing physical pain. One study measured participants’ neurological responses to social rejection and acceptance situations. This brain system showed significant activation of certain brain regions in response to rejection, indicating that our experience is similar to physical pain. Rejection hurts—quite literally, according to neural evidence.
Social acceptance and connection are core human needs. Humans are wired for relationships and community, and our brains are set up to react strongly to threats to this part of our lives due to human evolution and natural selection.
On the other hand, being abandoned or having a lack of social connections can lead to more significant psychological distress, social anxiety, and low self-esteem. It may even inhibit a person’s ability to form positive social relationships in the future. When looking at the wealth of scientific evidence, it’s easy to see why we’re built to avoid rejection and why we feel it deeply when it does happen.
How to cope with rejection
There’s no getting around it: Rejection can be painful. Synonyms like “deserted” do an efficient job of describing how it can feel to get rejected, while more synonyms like “forsaken” and “jilted” can help describe the deep emotional pain rejection can create. However, it’s an inevitable part of life, so building resilience in this area can be helpful. Read on for a few strategies you can try to deal with rejection better.
Remember that it’s usually not personal
It’s often easier said than done, but it can be helpful to consider your rejection from the other party’s perspective. A person who has denied you rarely intends for their actions to be hurtful. Usually, they’re just doing what’s right for them. Let’s say you didn’t get that job you applied for, for instance. It's likely they did not want to deny you intentionally - or all the people who also applied for the job - but rather they may have found a candidate whose experience was a slightly better fit. This can be a small comfort in some situations.
Focus on the positives
While it’s typically easy to zero in on what we’ve lost when we get rejected, it can be helpful to dismiss the negatives and think about what we’re gaining. For instance, let’s say you’ve been left by a potential date. You might remind yourself that you’re unlikely to have a healthy, fulfilling relationship with someone who’s not as interested in you as you are in them. Not getting the chance to build a connection with them also frees you up to form a relationship with someone else who may be an even better match.
Use it as a growth opportunity
It’s impossible in every case, but sometimes rejection can catalyze growth or self-improvement. Inquiring why someone chose to rebuff your proposal could give you valuable insight into how to improve your chances next time, for example. Asking someone who decided to end your relationship after a few dates if there’s anything you could do differently could yield fruitful feedback to help you build a healthier connection and maybe even avoid heartbreak with the next person. Seeing rejection as an opportunity rather than a setback may help you healthily shift your perspective.
Practice self-care
Some rejections may hurt more than others, with one example being if a family member chooses to renounce you. In these and similar instances, fully experiencing your feelings about the situation can be essential rather than trying to suppress them or avoid talking about them. Studies show that avoidance of grief can prolong the grieving process. That’s why taking good care of yourself after rejection can be helpful. You might treat yourself like you’d treat a friend or loved one who had just been through the same thing. Rather than thinking harmful phrases like “I’m such a loser!”, use kind words when engaging in self-talk, Give yourself time to rest, indulge in a favorite treat, journal, exercise, or chat about it with someone you trust. Duke University recommends mindfulness exercises to help recharge after a rejection. Let yourself feel the disappointment, hurt, anger, sadness, or any other emotions you may be experiencing so you can move past them.
How a therapist can help
Handling rejection can be challenging. Processing it with a trained professional is another way to help yourself get through it. A counselor or therapist can assist you in identifying the emotions you feel and why, cultivating a more realistic perspective about what happened, and helping you rebuild the self-esteem or courage to continue putting yourself back out there. Whether you’re concerned you may have a mental health condition like depression or social anxiety or want a listening ear to help you work through difficult emotions, a therapist can help.
Suppose you’re nervous about meeting with someone in person, have trouble locating a provider in your area, or feel more comfortable attending therapy sessions when you do not have to leave your home. In that case, virtual therapy is one option to consider. Research suggests that online therapy can offer similar benefits to in-person sessions. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who can help you with the challenges you may face via phone, video call, and online chat. Regardless of your format, you can feel empowered to seek support and guidance if you struggle with rejection.
Takeaway
What is rejection to a person?
Rejection to a person can be a complex and emotionally challenging experience. It refers to the act of being turned down, dismissed, or not accepted in a particular context, often in relationships by a romantic partner, job applications, social groups, or personal endeavors. Rejection can evoke a range of emotions, including sadness, disappointment, frustration, hurt, and even a sense of inadequacy.
For many individuals, rejection can trigger feelings of self-doubt and make them question their self-worth. It can also bring about a fear of being judged or not belonging, leading to a heightened sense of vulnerability. Rejection can impact a person's confidence and outlook, potentially influencing their willingness to take risks or put themselves out there in the future.
What to do when someone rejects you?
Dealing with rejection can be difficult, but there are healthy ways to cope and move forward. Here's what you can do when someone rejects you:
- Allow Yourself to Feel: It's okay to feel hurt, disappointed, or sad. Allow yourself to acknowledge, accept, and experience these emotions rather than suppressing them.
- Give Yourself Time: Healing takes time. Give yourself the space to process and respond to your feelings and don't rush through the process.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Avoid self-blame and negative self-talk. Remember that rejection doesn't define your worth.
- Talk to Someone: Reach out to friends, family, or a trusted confidant. Expressing your feelings can provide comfort and perspective.
- Engage in Self-Care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's reading, exercise, art, or spending time in nature.
- Learn from the Experience: Rejection can offer opportunities for growth. Consider what you can learn from the situation to improve your future interactions or decisions.
- Seek Professional Help: If the rejection deeply affects your mental well-being, consider seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor who can provide support and coping strategies.
What is the act of rejection?
The act of rejection refers to the act of refusal, declining, or dismissing something or someone. It involves expressing a lack of acceptance, approval, or agreement, often leading to the exclusion of a person, idea, proposal, or request. Rejection can occur in various contexts, such as personal relationships, job applications, creative endeavors, social interactions, and more. It is a response that communicates the unwillingness to proceed or engage further.
Rejection can take many forms, including verbal communication, non-verbal cues, or simply not responding. It can evoke a range of emotions, impacting both the person who experiences rejection and the one delivering it. The act of rejection is a natural part of human interactions and can lead to personal growth, resilience, and the development of coping skills. It's important to handle rejection with empathy and sensitivity, as it can have significant emotional consequences for those involved.
What are the 4 stages of rejection?
The experience of rejection can vary for different individuals, and the psychology of rejection may be similar to the psychology of grief. There are generally four common emotional stages that many people go through when facing rejection:
- Initial Impact and Shock: The first stage involves the immediate emotional reaction to the rejection. This can include feelings of shock, disbelief, confusion, and even denial. It might be difficult to process the rejection at this point, and the emotions can be intense.
- Emotional Response and Pain: In this stage, the initial shock gives way to more intense emotions. Feelings of sadness, disappointment, hurt, anger, and even humiliation may surface. The pain of the rejection becomes more palpable, and it's common to replay the situation in your mind to try to make sense of it or to wonder what you could have done differently.
- Reflection and Acceptance: As time passes, individuals often move into a phase of reflection. They might begin to analyze the situation, their own feelings, and the other person's perspective. This stage can involve introspection, considering what was learned from the experience, and accepting the reality of the rejection.
- Moving Forward and Growth: The final stage involves moving on from the rejection and using the experience as a catalyst for personal growth and increased hope. While the pain might not disappear completely, individuals often find ways to cope and refocus their energy on positive aspects of life.
It's important to note that not everyone progresses through these stages in a linear fashion, and some people might experience stages more intensely than others. The duration of each stage can also vary widely depending on the individual and the specific circumstances of the rejection.
Is rejection a feeling or emotion?
Rejection is not a specific feeling or emotion in itself, but rather a complex experience that can trigger a range of emotions and feelings. When someone faces rejection, they may experience many forms of emotional responses such as sadness, disappointment, hurt, anger, embarrassment, or even shame. These emotions can vary based on the context of the rejection and the individual's personal history, beliefs, and coping mechanisms.
Being rejected can also lead to a general feeling of distress or discomfort. The emotional response to rejection is influenced by how much importance the person attaches to the situation, their self-esteem, and their perception of the reasons behind the rejection. It is also possible for rejection to cause a physical change in the body. People who are rejected can experience a slow immune system and poor quality sleep.
Why is rejection important?
Even one rejection may feel difficult to overcome and you may feel like you cannot survive being rejected again. Rejection, while often difficult to experience, serves several important purposes in our personal lives and society as a whole. Feeling rejection may cause temporary social pain, however, it also serves as a moment for self-reflection and growth as well as a learning opportunity.
It doesn’t matter if you have been rejected by a job, a lover, or a boss, rejection can help you to figure out what to do differently next time. Emotional regulation, increased empathy, and appreciation of success all may result from being rejected.
How do you interact with someone who rejected you?
Interacting with someone who has rejected you can be challenging, but it's possible to do so with grace and respect. Here are some tips for navigating such interactions:
- Respectful Approach: Engage with kindness and respect, avoiding confrontational behavior, aggression, or emotional displays.
- Casual and Light Conversation: Keep interactions friendly and casual, focusing on common interests and avoiding discussions about the rejection unless they bring it up.
- Show Genuine Interest: Ask about their well-being and interests to demonstrate that you value them as a person beyond the rejection.
- Set Boundaries: If interactions become emotionally taxing, consider limiting contact or seeking closure if it's beneficial for your well-being.
How do you ignore someone who rejects you?
Ignoring someone who has rejected you can be a way to protect your emotional well-being and move forward. Start by giving yourself space to process your feelings and heal. This might involve limiting contact, unfollowing them on social media, or muting their updates.
Focus on self-care activities, spending time with supportive friends, and pursuing your interests. While it's natural to feel hurt, directing your energy toward positive experiences and personal growth can help you gradually detach from the situation. Keep in mind that ignoring them doesn't have to be a hostile act; it's about prioritizing your own healing and creating distance from a source of emotional pain.
What to say if someone rejects you?
When someone rejects you, it's important to respond with grace and understanding. Here are four things you could consider saying:
- "Thank you for being honest." Express appreciation for their honesty, showing that you value open communication.
- "I understand and respect your decision." Acknowledge their choice and convey your respect for their feelings and perspective.
- "I wish you all the best." Offer well wishes for their future endeavors, demonstrating maturity and positivity.
- "If you change your mind or want to talk, I'm here." Leave the door open for future communication if they ever feel differently or if you're open to maintaining a friendly connection.
Responding with kindness and understanding reflects well on your character, regardless of the outcome.
Why does rejection hurt?
Rejection can hurt for several reasons, both psychological and emotional. Here are some factors that contribute to the pain of rejection:
- Social Belonging: As social beings, humans have an inherent need to belong and be accepted by others. Rejection threatens this sense of belonging, triggering feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Self-Esteem: Rejection can negatively impact self-esteem and self-worth. It makes individuals question their value and wonder if they are lacking in some way.
- Vulnerability: When someone rejects you, it can make you feel vulnerable and exposed. You've put yourself out there, and the rejection can feel like a personal judgment or critique.
- Identity Threat: Rejection can challenge your sense of identity and how you perceive yourself. It may cause you to question whether you're truly valued or appreciated.
- Fear of Abandonment: Rejection can awaken deep-seated fears of abandonment or not being wanted, which can trace back to early childhood experiences.
- Emotional Investment: If you've invested time, emotions, and effort into a relationship or situation, rejection can feel like a loss of that investment.
It's important to recognize that these feelings are natural and part of the human experience. While rejection hurts, understanding its underlying causes can help you navigate your emotions and work toward healing and resilience.
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