Abstract
This paper investigates the relationship between dating anxiety (DA), self-esteem (SE) and social connectedness (SC), particularly the degree in which self-esteem and social connectedness can be considered predictors of dating anxiety, as well as the differences and similarities between participants regarding the three concepts (dating anxiety, self-esteem and social connectedness) based on their age, gender and the relational status. The sample consisted in 200 participants young adults (from several counties in Romania), aged 18-30 years old. Data were collected online by three instruments regarding DA, SE, and SC. The quantitative analysis of the results indicates positive and statistically significant correlations between SE and SC, negative correlations between DA and SE and between DA and SC. The results are discussed by reffering to previous data in the literature and from the perspective of their applied values in relation to the wellbeing of young adults involved (or trying to be involved) in romantic relationships.
Highlights
The perceived quality of interpersonal relationships, especially of the romantic ones, has an important role on the ways they will develop in the future (Downey et al, 2000; Farooqi, 2014)
Among various factors that have the potential to impact the quality of interpersonal relationships, anxiety is an affection that can be associated with a lower quality of life as a result of the symptoms that can resurface and that can have unwanted effects on self-esteem and mental functioning (DSM V, 2016)
In this paper we aim to investigate a specific category of anxiety, i.e. the dating anxiety, since this category of anxiety, which differs from the social anxiety, is very common in young adults in the context of mate search and couple formation (Glickman & La Greca, 2004)
Summary
The perceived quality of interpersonal relationships, especially of the romantic ones, has an important role on the ways they will develop in the future (Downey et al, 2000; Farooqi, 2014). Among various factors that have the potential to impact the quality of interpersonal relationships, anxiety is an affection that can be associated with a lower quality of life as a result of the symptoms that can resurface and that can have unwanted effects on self-esteem and mental functioning (DSM V, 2016). Some of these negative impacts are: an increase chance of depression, consumption of different substances, difficulties in human interactions and in other social accomplishments (Glickman & La Greca, 2004). DA is defined as representing the concern, distress and inhibition felt during interaction with romantic partners or members of the opposite sex, which are potential dating partners
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