The relationship between attachment style and self-concept clarity: the mediation effect of self-esteem

The mediation effect of self-esteem on the relationship between attachment style and self-concept clarity was investigated. In Study 1, the relationship between attachment style and self-concept clarity was examined by correlation and regression analysis. Results from 189 and 85 students at National Taiwan University (NTU) showed that anxiety and avoidance attachment tendencies were negatively related with self-certainty and self-concept clarity. In Study 2, self-esteem was included to determine whether the negative relation between attachment tendency and self-concept clarity was mediated by self-esteem. Participants were 123 NTU students. The mediation effect of self-esteem on the relationship between attachment tendency and self-concept clarity was supported in a path model, indicating people with secure attachment have higher self-esteem, which results in greater clarity of self-concept.