The relationship between self-esteem, attachment styles, and romantic relationships satisfaction

Abstract

This study explores the relationships among self-esteem, attachment styles, and romantic relationship satisfaction in adulthood. Although prior research has examined these constructs independently, limited attention has been given to their combined influence on relationship satisfaction while accounting for attachment insecurity, indicating a notable research gap. The objective of the study is to examine how self-esteem and attachment styles jointly contribute to adults' evaluations of their romantic relationships. A quantitative research design was employed, using standardized self-report instruments to collect data from 180 participants aged over 18. The measures assessed self-esteem, attachment orientations, and perceived relationship satisfaction. The findings indicate that higher self-esteem is associated with greater relationship satisfaction, whereas insecure attachment orientations are linked to lower self-esteem and diminished satisfaction. In contrast, secure attachment does not demonstrate a strong independent contribution when other variables are considered. Differences in relationship satisfaction were observed across gender, although self-esteem and attachment patterns remained comparable. The study highlights the stronger negative influence of attachment insecurity relative to the positive role of secure attachment. These findings have important implications for counseling practice by emphasizing the need to address attachment-related vulnerabilities and self-evaluative processes to enhance relationship quality.

Keywords: Adult relationships; attachment styles; relationship satisfaction; self-esteem; psychological wellbeing