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 questionnaire explores common signs of RSD, such as:

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• Emotional intensity in response to criticism, conflict, or exclusion

• Chronic self-doubt, shame, or people-pleasing

• Fear of letting others down or being misunderstood

• Tendency to over-apologize or withdraw after perceived rejection

• Difficulty trusting others' intentions or emotional consistency
   

Score Interpretation
 

Total Score Range: 0–120
 

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 may have an easier time separating 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. These responses might feel out of proportion in the moment but make more sense when viewed through the lens of RSD.
   

• 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, disapproval, or exclusion—sometimes even when none was intended. These moments can lead to intense emotional pain, self-blame, anger, or shutdown.
   

• It may be hard to express needs, set boundaries, or recover after conflict without ruminating or withdrawing. You might also notice a strong fear of disappointing others or being misunderstood, which can make daily interactions feel exhausting or risky.

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Subscale Breakdown

In addition to providing a Total Score, the Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria Self-Assessment (RSD-24) explores four key areas where rejection sensitivity may impact your emotional and social well-being: Anticipatory Anxiety of Rejection, Perceived Criticism Distress, Emotional Regulation Difficulty, and Social Withdrawal / Avoidance.
 

Each subscale ranges from 6–30, with the following interpretation:
 

6–14: Strong Foundation

15–22: Growth Zone

23–30: High Support Needed

1. Anticipatory Anxiety of Rejection
 

6–14: Strong Foundation – You likely feel relatively secure in your relationships and can approach interactions without excessive fear of rejection.

15–22: Growth Zone – You sometimes feel on edge or preoccupied with the possibility of rejection, though you’re building awareness of these patterns.

23–30: High Support Needed – You may frequently worry that others will reject, exclude, or disapprove of you—even before anything has happened. This anticipation can cause anxiety, overthinking, or people-pleasing behaviors.

2. Perceived Criticism Distress
 

6–14: Strong Foundation – You likely process feedback with perspective and resilience, without it deeply shaking your self-worth.

15–22: Growth Zone – Criticism can still sting, but you may be learning how to pause and interpret others’ words with more clarity and self-compassion.

23–30: High Support Needed – Even mild feedback or neutral comments may feel deeply personal or painful. You might experience strong emotional reactions or ruminate afterward.

3. Emotional Regulation Difficulty
 

6–14: Strong Foundation – You likely have tools in place to manage strong emotions and can recover from rejection-related stress more smoothly.

15–22: Growth Zone – You may notice emotional intensity in triggering moments but are working on strategies to regulate more effectively.

23–30: High Support Needed – Emotional reactions to perceived rejection may feel overwhelming, fast-moving, or difficult to manage. You might struggle to calm down or recover.

4. Social Withdrawal / Avoidance
 

6–14: Strong Foundation – You likely stay socially engaged, express yourself openly, and can tolerate occasional disconnection without shutting down.

15–22: Growth Zone – You may sometimes hold back or avoid vulnerability, but you're working on building courage and trust in social settings.

23–30: High Support Needed – Fears of rejection may lead you to pull back from relationships, avoid expressing needs, or decline social invitations—even when you crave connection.
 

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.