Attachment styles and levels of self-esteem, perceived social support and stress during first year
Authors
McDonagh, Aidan
Issue Date
2019
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.
Abstract
The study sought to examine the relationship between attachment styles and levels of self-esteem, perceived social support and stress during the transition to university. Participants (N=114) were required to be undertaking their first year of full-time university. Eligible participants were invited to complete an online questionnaire posted to Facebook. The questionnaire was comprised of self-report instruments designed to provide a measure of attachment-related avoidance/anxiety, self-esteem, perceived social support and stress. Pearson’s correlation coefficients found significant negative relationships between attachment-related avoidance and levels of self-esteem and perceived social support. Pearson’s correlation coefficients also found significant negative relationships between attachment-related anxiety and levels of self-esteem and perceived social support as well as a significant positive relationship between attachment-related anxiety and stress. Further research with a larger sample is recommended in order to increase generalisability. Replication of findings may support the development of support structures for students transitioning to university.