Is There a Bidirectional Relationship Between Appearance-Based Rejection Sensitivity and Materialism in Early Adults?

Abstract Appearance-based rejection sensitivity (A-RS) is closely related to materialism. However, there is no research focusing on the bidirectional relationship between them. With the tracking data at 2 points of time, this study investigated whether this bidirectional relationship exists longitudinally, within which potential mediation (appearance-based social comparison) and moderation (appearance-contingent self-worth, A-CSW) mechanisms were also examined. Data in 2 samples of college students (Sample 1 with cross-sectional data, N = 875; Sample 2 with tracking data, N = 130) were collected. Results indicated a bidirectional relation between A-RS and materialism at the same point in time. Time 1 A-RS showed a marginally significant association with Time 2 materialism. As for the underlying mechanism and individual difference, cross-sectionally, the appearance-based social comparison was found to partially mediate the contribution of A-RS to materialism; this mediation also worked in the contribution of materialism to A-RS. Longitudinally, appearance-based social comparison had a mediation role only in the relation of Time 1 A-RS and Time 2 materialism. Specifically, A-CSW showed a moderation role in this positive relation, which happens only in those who base self-worth on appearance. Practical implications, limitations, and future directions of this study are discussed.