What characteristic of Avoidant Personality Disorder is marked by fear of rejection?

The characteristic of Avoidant Personality Disorder marked by fear of rejection is hypersensitivity. Individuals with this disorder often experience an intense sensitivity to criticism and rejection, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and social avoidance. This hypersensitivity is central to their emotional experience; it drives them to fear negative evaluation from others and causes them to avoid social situations where they may be exposed to potential rejection.

In the context of Avoidant Personality Disorder, hypersensitivity to social cues and perceptions of others' opinions plays a crucial role in shaping the individual's self-image and behavior. It fosters an ongoing cycle of avoidance and isolation as they strive to protect themselves from emotional pain. Recognizing and understanding this hypersensitivity is key to addressing the challenges faced by those with this disorder in therapeutic settings.