The Relationship Between Romantic Attachment, Quality of Life and Self-Esteem in Young Adults

Abstract

Evidence suggests that adult romantic attachment could be reflected in the quality of life, with self-esteem acting as a contributing factor. The aim of the research is to investigate the relationships between adult romantic attachment, quality of life, and self-esteem and the mediation effect of attachment and lack of self-esteem in young adults. A sample of 144 international college students (38 male, 102 female, 4 non-binary; Mean age 21.63, SD=1.63) was recruited online and completed the digitized questionnaires for demographics, romantic attachment, self-esteem, and quality of life. Participation was voluntary and withdrawal was possible at any time. Mediation analyses were conducted for Self-Esteem (mediator) between Attachment types (predictor) and Quality of life (h1) and for Attachment (mediator) between Self-Esteem (predictor) and Quality of Life; multiple regression between Attachment types (predictors) and Quality of Life (h3) and an independent samples t-test between attachment types and Quality of Life (h4). Results revealed significant mediation of self-esteem (lack of) between attachment and quality of life and a mediation effect of avoidant attachment between self-esteem and quality of life. Only Avoidant Attachment predicted quality of life, in which participants with anxious attachment scored higher levels compared to those with avoidant attachment. Findings contribute to our understanding of the individuals’ subjective experiences and provide insight into different aspects that could be addressed in clinical practice. Limitations in terms of measurements’ lack of heterogeneity were acknowledged, and future research designs are suggested regarding sample recruitment, and measurement approaches.