The Effects of Attachment and Shared Time Between Mother and Child and Self-Esteem on Subjective Well-Being in Late Childhood

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of attachment and shared time between mother and child and self-esteem on subjective well-being in late childhood. Methods: A total of 329 fifth and sixth graders in elementary school (183 boys and 146 girls) participated in the study. They responded to questionnaires regarding attachment and shared time between mother and child and the self-esteem and subjective well-being of children. The data were analyzed using SEM. Results: Attachment and shared time between mother and child had an indirect effect through self-esteem as well as a direct effect on the subjective well-being of children. Children who formed secure attachments and spent more time with their mothers showed a higher level of subjective well-being. In addition, when children kept a good relationship with their mother quantitatively as well as qualitatively, they acknowledged their own capability and value positively, which led to higher subjective well-being. Conclusion: Findings emphasize that mother-child relationships play significant roles in predicting both the subjective well-being and self-esteem of children. The importance of self-esteem was identified in late childhood based on its relative influence on subjective well-being compared to mother-child relationships.