Back to Temporal States

Rejection to Recovery

5 steps•linear pattern

The common emotional journey from experiencing rejection to eventual recovery and growth.

Emotional Sequence

1

shock

triggeringescalating
Minutes to hours
Transitions to:
acute hurt
Triggered by:
Reality setting in
2

acute hurt

processingpersisting
Hours to days
Transitions to:
angersadnessself doubt
Triggered by:
Emotional processingSelf-reflection
3

rumination cycle

processingcycling
Days to weeks
Transitions to:
acceptancedepression
Triggered by:
TimeSupportInsight
4

gradual acceptance

resolvingdeescalating
Weeks
Transitions to:
growthnew perspective
Triggered by:
Meaning-makingNew experiences
5

integration

resolvedresolving
Ongoing

Common Triggers for This Journey

social rejection immediaterelationship ending

Journey Resolution

Integration of experience into self-narrative with growth

Real-World Examples

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Breakup recovery process

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Job rejection processing

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Social exclusion healing