Adolescent Self-Esteem, Attachment and Loneliness

Abstract

Objectives: To assess self-esteem, loneliness and attachment styles among adolescents andexamine their association with each other and with age and gender. Method: Adolescents (55males and 55 females) from a public school in Delhi, aged 10-13 years were administeredCoopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (School Form), Attachment Scale and UCLA LonelinessScale. Results: Adolescents aged 10-11 years reported higher self-esteem as compared to thoseaged 12-13 years (p<0.01). Low global, general and home-parents self-esteem were associatedwith high levels of loneliness. Adolescents with high self-esteem were securely attached whilethose with low self-esteem had preoccupied and fearful attachment. Conclusions: Adolescentsstudying in a public school reported high levels of self-esteem, moderate loneliness and a secureattachment style. Students with low self-esteem and feelings of loneliness may benefit frompsychological intervention.