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Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria Self-Assessment (RSD-24)*​​

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Click HERE to take test

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Take this screener if…

  • You feel intense emotional pain or shame when you think someone is upset with you.

  • You often assume you’ve disappointed others, even with little or no evidence.

  • You replay conversations or social interactions, worrying you did something wrong.

  • Criticism—even when constructive—feels devastating or hard to recover from.
     

What This Screener Is

This brief self-assessment is designed to help adults explore patterns of emotional hypersensitivity, self-blame, and social anxiety commonly linked to Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).

While not a diagnostic tool, it offers insight into how rejection sensitivity may be affecting your relationships, self-esteem, and mental health.
 

24 Questions
 

Who It’s For

Adults (18+) who experience strong emotional reactions to perceived rejection, criticism, or disapproval—especially if these reactions interfere with relationships, work, or self-worth.
 

Duration

Approximately 5–7 minutes
 

What It Measures

The RSD-24 explores four areas of rejection sensitivity:
 

  • Anticipatory Anxiety of Rejection - Bracing for rejection before it happens

  • Perceived Criticism Distress - How hard feedback and criticism land

  • Emotional Regulation Difficulty - How intense the reaction is and how long it takes to settle

  • Social Withdrawal / Avoidance - Pulling away or shutting down to avoid getting hurt
     

Score Interpretation
 

Total Score Range: 24-120
 

  • 24-55: Strong Foundation - You've likely developed strong emotional regulation strategies that help reduce the impact of rejection sensitivity on your daily life. While you may still notice moments of emotional intensity — especially in close relationships — you're generally able to process feedback without spiraling into shame, anger, or self-doubt. You tend to separate someone's opinion from your self-worth and can often respond to perceived criticism with reflection rather than reactivity.
     

  • 56-87: Growth Zone - You may recognize patterns of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria that occasionally disrupt your emotional well-being or relationships. At times, perceived criticism or exclusion can trigger intense emotional reactions — such as withdrawal, over-apologizing, irritability, or self-doubt. While you likely have some coping strategies in place, you might still struggle with anticipating rejection or feeling overly responsible for others' opinions of you.
     

  • 88-120: High Support Needed - Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria may be having a significant impact on your emotional health, self-esteem, or relationships. You might find yourself frequently overwhelmed by perceived criticism or rejection, even when none was intended. Working with a clinician who understands RSD can make a meaningful difference.
     

Subscale Score Interpretation
Each of the four subscales is scored from 6 to 30:
 

  • 6-14: Strong Foundation - This area is not a major source of strain for you.

  • 15-22: Growth Zone - This area shows up often enough to create real friction and is worth attention.

  • 23-30: High Support Needed - This area is a frequent and significant source of distress.

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Support for Emotional Sensitivity
 

RSD is often underrecognized—especially in neurodivergent individuals who may have masked their distress for years.

High scores don’t mean you’re “too sensitive”—they reflect valid experiences of emotional pain, fear of rejection, and difficulty regulating shame or self-blame.

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If these patterns are affecting your well-being or relationships, you deserve support. A therapist who understands RSD and neurodivergence can help you build tools for emotional regulation, boundary-setting, and inner safety.


👉 Ready to explore your world with support? [Reach out through our contact form]—we’re here to help.

*Disclaimer
 

This questionnaire is designed to offer helpful insights and support self-reflection. It can be a useful starting point to increase understanding and many individuals find it valuable for identifying patterns and starting meaningful conversations—whether with a partner, therapist, or coach.

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That said, this tool is still in development and has not been validated through formal scientific research. While the questions are based on commonly reported experiences, the questionnaire’s reliability and accuracy have not been formally established. It is not intended to diagnose any condition or replace professional evaluation.

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For personalized guidance, we encourage you to consult with a neurodivergent-affirming clinician.

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©2025 Adult Autism Assessment Center, part of the New Path Family of Therapy Centers Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this questionnaire may be reproduced, redistributed, or otherwise used without explicit written permission from the Adult Autism Assessment Center.

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