The Effects of Childhood Bullying on Adult Attachment Styles and Social Self-Esteem

McClean, Éabha (2023) The Effects of Childhood Bullying on Adult Attachment Styles and Social Self-Esteem. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Aims: The present study sought to examine the impact of childhood bullying experiences on attachment style and social self-esteem levels in adulthood, whilst controlling for age and gender differences. This study investigated both anxious and avoidant attachment styles and both witnessing bullying and bullying victimisation. Method: The sample of 170 participants were recruited through convenience sampling and completed a questionnaire consisting of demographic questions, a modified version of the Retrospective Bullying Experiences Questionnaire (RBEQ), Revised Adult Attachment Scale – Close Relationships version (RAAS) and Revised Janis-Fields Self-Esteem Scale – Self-esteem Subscale (JFSES). Results: Three standard multiple regression analyses were conducted. The findings revealed that childhood bullying victimisation significantly predicted both anxious and avoidant attachment, and reduced social self-esteem levels. Significant gender differences were found for anxious attachment, with females exhibiting higher levels of attachment anxiety. Age was negatively correlated with each dependent variable, indicating younger adults had higher levels of anxious and avoidant attachment and lower levels of social self-esteem. Across the dependent variables, bullying victimisation was the strongest predictor and witnessing bullying did not have an effect. Conclusion: The findings of this research provide a greater insight into the negative implications of childhood bullying victimisation on adult interpersonal functioning. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Fox, Robert UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Aggressiveness > Bullying H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > Children R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	01 Jun 2023 12:59
Last Modified:	01 Jun 2023 12:59
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/6710

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