Why does some rejection make you stronger, while other rejection completely knocks the wind out of you?

In this week’s Rejection Section, EMMY winner Dr. Tom breaks down a fascinating psychology study published in PLoS ONE that explains why rejection affects people so differently, and why not all rejection leads to growth.

The study explored how the intensity of rejection, combined with a person’s sensitivity to rejection, influences what happens next. Whether people lean back into connection or withdraw and shut down entirely.

And the findings challenge a lot of common self help advice.

You will learn:

• Why mild or moderate rejection can actually build confidence

• Why intense rejection often causes withdrawal rather than growth

• How your nervous system interprets rejection as either feedback or threat

• Why exposure alone does not always build resilience

• How to tell whether a rejection is helping you grow or overwhelming you

• A practical way to build confidence without pushing yourself too far

This episode explains why confidence is not built by toughening up, but by expanding your tolerance to discomfort at the right pace.

🎙️Host: Dr. Tom — Instagram  | LinkedIn  | X 

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