Potential regulatory elements between attachment styles and psychopathology: Rejection sensitivity and self-esteem

Abstract

The importance of attachment in individuals' development is enormous. The attachment patterns established with the first experiences are thought to affect our relationships and especially our mental state. In this study, it is aimed to examine the mediator effect of self-esteem and rejection sensitivity in the relationship between attachment, depression and anxiety. 340 university students are included in the study. Students' attachment patterns in close relationships are evaluated by Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised, depression and anxiety levels by Beck depression and Beck Anxiety Scales, rejection sensitivity by the Rejection Sensitivity Scale and self-esteem by Self-Esteem Scale. It was found that, as anxious attachment level increased, psychopathology symptoms and rejection sensitivity increased and self-esteem decreased. In addition, the mediator effect of self-esteem in the relationship between anxious attachment and psychopathology and the mediator effect of rejection sensitivity between anxious attachment and self-esteem could be mentioned. On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between avoiding attachment and psychopathology. The findings of the study show that there is a difference between anxious and avoidant attachment patterns and anxious attachment is associated with increased rejection sensitivity and susceptibility to depression and anxiety and decreased self-esteem.