Self-Evaluative Salience and Motivational Salience as Predictors of Depressive Affect and Appearance Based Rejection Sensitivity

Self-Evaluative Salience and Motivational Salience as Predictors of Depressive Affect and Appearance-Based Rejection Sensitivity by Mandana Toosi, MA, LCPC MA, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 2007 BA, Eastern Illinois University, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University May 2016 Abstract Although the psychological effects of appearance schemas have been studied in the general population, we know little about the relation of these schemas to appearancebased rejection sensitivity. This study examined the relations among predictive variables of appearance-invested self-schemas (self-evaluative salience [SES] and motivational salience [MS]), appearance-based rejection sensitivity, and depressive affect. Selfdiscrepancy theory was used to theorize that when individuals experience discrepancies with self, conflict arises in self-schemas, and that this conflict relates to an increase in depressive affect and appearance-based rejection sensitivity. The sample consisted of 131 adult female college students participating in a continuing education program. Multiple regression was used to evaluate the relation between appearance-invested self-schema and depressive affect. A second multiple regression equation was conducted to evaluate the relation between appearance-invested self-schema and appearance-based rejection sensitivity. Participants with higher SES scores had significantly higher depressive affect scores and appearance-based rejection sensitivity scores. Participants with higher MSAlthough the psychological effects of appearance schemas have been studied in the general population, we know little about the relation of these schemas to appearancebased rejection sensitivity. This study examined the relations among predictive variables of appearance-invested self-schemas (self-evaluative salience [SES] and motivational salience [MS]), appearance-based rejection sensitivity, and depressive affect. Selfdiscrepancy theory was used to theorize that when individuals experience discrepancies with self, conflict arises in self-schemas, and that this conflict relates to an increase in depressive affect and appearance-based rejection sensitivity. The sample consisted of 131 adult female college students participating in a continuing education program. Multiple regression was used to evaluate the relation between appearance-invested self-schema and depressive affect. A second multiple regression equation was conducted to evaluate the relation between appearance-invested self-schema and appearance-based rejection sensitivity. Participants with higher SES scores had significantly higher depressive affect scores and appearance-based rejection sensitivity scores. Participants with higher MS scores had significantly lower depressive affect and appearance-based rejection sensitivity scores. High SES significantly predicted more depression and sensitivity to rejection based on appearance, and high MS appeared to be a protective factor against depression and appearance based rejection. The results of the study promote positive social change by helping professionals improve treatments for individuals suffering from negative appearance-invested self-schemas, rejection sensitivity, and depression. Self-Evaluative Salience and Motivational Salience as Predictors of Depressive Affect and Appearance Based Rejection Sensitivity. by Mandana Toosi, MA, LCPC MA, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 2007 BA, Eastern Illinois University, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University May 2016 Acknowledgments I would like to thank those that have guided, mentored, supported, and encouraged me through my dissertation research efforts. I would like to thank Dr. Loun who stepped in as my dissertation Chair at an unconventional time, and my committee member Dr. Coles, URR Dr. Lisa Scharff, the IRB, Eastern Illinois University, as well as other professionals who assisted in this endeavor. I would like to especially thank my father Dr. Mori Toosi for his unconditional support. Dr. Amir Toosi, Pantea Toosi, Mary Toosi, Dr. Eric Tomlinson, Dr. Mahmoud Kashefi, Jamie Bernabei and Karaleigh Salmi who provided their support throughout this endeavor are also recognized and thanked.