Consequences of Anticipated Rejection in Single Men

Abstract

Successful modern relationships require more emotional vulnerability, time, and effort (Finkel et al., 2015). The processes that lead to successful modern relationships run counter to traditional masculine norms of toughness and emotional invulnerability (Chu et al., 2005). This disconnect creates a situation where single men may not feel equipped to meet the demands of modern relationships and perceive modern expectations as an avenue for rejection. The research examines this possibility. We recruited 352 single, heterosexual men and randomly assigned them to read one of two articles. In one article, they read about modern dating expectations of emotional vulnerability and engagement (threat condition). In the other article, they read about a neutral topic (control condition). Then participants saw three dating profiles reflecting either only modern expectations, only traditional expectations, or only neutral expectations. We hypothesized that for men in the threat condition who hold traditional masculine beliefs, they will anticipate rejection from the modern profile relative to the other profiles and lash out at the rejection threat by preemptively rejecting the woman in the profile. Our results did not find significant 2x3 ANOVA for rejection concerns or intentions. However when we ran a moderation analysis was run within each profile condition with the threat condition predicting rejection concerns and intentions, we found that less traditionally masculine men in the threat condition had higher rejection concerns and higher rejection intentions. 

Introduction

Shapiro et al. (2011) found that people use social information (e.g., race) to determine whether a potential partner will reject them in an upcoming interaction and, if a person anticipates rejection, they are likely to reject the other to protect themselves. While Shapiro et al. (2011) focused on the race-based configuration  of other people’s social networks, other sorts of social cues may trigger similar responses. For example, traditional masculinity values emotional invulnerability and toughness (e.g., Chu et al., 2005), two characteristics that run counter to those of successful relationships (e.g., Finkel et al., 2015). Thus, it is possible that, for men who value traditional masculine norms, awareness of high relationship expectations that are counter to their conception of masculinity and may serve as a potential avenue for masculinity threat. Highly traditional men may view modern dating expectations as unrealistic for them to achieve. This may lead them to reject potential partners, especially if those partners seem to be likely to hold high relationship expectations, such as sharing domestic tasks, expecting vulnerability and emotional connection, and self-awareness and accountability.

When traditionally masculine men encounter women who have relationship expectations that they cannot or are unwilling to meet, it is likely they anticipate romantic rejection. People, generally, are highly sensitive to rejection threats and detect them under minimal and ambiguous circumstances (for a review, see Williams, 2009). When a person sees a potential relationship partner that seems likely to reject them, one response to this anticipated rejection is to preemptively reject them to avoid being rejected (Shapiro et al., 2011). In the case of traditional masculinity and romantic rejection, it is likely that single men will preemptively reject women who want more from a relationship than they are able or willing to provide as a means of maintaining a sense of masculinity through dominance.

Participants

• 352 single men

Procedure

• Randomly assigned to read:

  • “Threat Article” discussing dating standards of modern women and how these differ from traditional relationship  expectations.

  • “Non-Threat Article” discussing online personality self-testing and how the results affect an individual’s self-perception. 

• Participants then viewed three dating profiles reflecting modern expectations, traditional expectations, or neutral expectaions.

• Completed measures:

  • Masculinity Measure

  • Precarious Manhood Scale

  • Rosenberg Self-Esteem

  • Big 5

  • Implicit Theories Scale

Teamwork

Lia and Anna have collaborated with Jason Folmsbee, PhD Candidate, to produce this research as team. This project has given both undergraduates experience in task delegation and collaborative skills. 

Critical Thinking

Lia and Anna have expanded their knowledge in the social psychology field by not only reviewing the current literature surrounding the subject but also by producing and contributing their own information and data to the field through their research. 

Career + Self-Development

Lia and Anna had the opportunity to travel to Chicago, IL to present this research at the Midwest Psychological Association Conference's Psi Chi Poster Session. During this experience, they were able to learn about the current research happening in the psychology field as well as expand their network and make connections with other professionals in the field. 

Professionalism

Lia and Anna refined their professional skill sets by prioritizing dependency during the development and presentation of their research. They also represented both themselves and their affiliations happily and dedicatedly at this year’s MPA. 

Lia and Anna would like to thank the Doctoral Undergraduate Opportunites for Scholarship (DUOS) administration at Miami University  for granting us funding to complete this research as well as attend the MPA. In addition, thank you to Jason Folmbsee for being the lead mentor for us in this project. Lastly, thank you to Dr. Allison Farrell and Dr. Heather Claypool for advising this project.