Impact of Attachment Styles on Academic Performance and Self-Esteem

Abstract

The current study explores an impact of adult attachment styles on self-esteem and academic performance among young adults aged 18-25. A quantitative research design was adopted using adult attachment scale, academic performance scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, with data collected from 200 participants. Pearson correlation and t-test was carried out to study the relationships among variables and gender-based differences. Results showed no notable correlation between academic performance and any other variables, including self-esteem, avoidant, secure, and anxious attachment styles. Also, crucial negative association was found among avoidant and secure attachment styles and a notable positive association between avoidant and anxious attachment styles (r = 0.341, p < .001). The results for self-esteem showed no significant difference between males (M = 22.49, SD = 2.85) and females (M = 23.29, SD = 3.09); t(178) = -1.78, p = .076. Although females reported slightly higher self-esteem on average, this difference did not reach statistical significance. In contrast, academic performance was found to be significantly higher in females (M = 27.84, SD = 5.12) than in males (M = 26.19, SD = 5.80).