Influence of Childhood Attachment on Adolescents’ Interpersonal Relationship and Self-Esteem among Undergraduate Students of the University of Ghana
Kingsley Nyarko *
Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 84, Legon, Ghana.
Prince Addai
Kumasi Center, University of Ghana, P.O. Box 838, Adum, Kumasi, Ghana.
Christopher M. Amissah
Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 84, Legon, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Childhood insecurities may affect a wide range of personality development such as interpersonal relationship and self-esteem during adolescence. The present study explores the effect of childhood attachment on adolescents’ interpersonal relationship and self-esteem among undergraduate students of the University of Ghana. The study also examines gender differences in interpersonal relationship and self-esteem. A total of two hundred undergraduate students from the University of Ghana were selected using convenient sampling to complete the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, the Perceived Interpersonal Relationship Scale (PIRS) and the Childhood Attachment Inventory (CAI). Data were analyzed using the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results reveal that adolescents who have secured childhood attachment have good interpersonal relationship and higher level of self-esteem than adolescents who have unsecured attachment. There was however no gender differences found in adolescents interpersonal relationship and self-esteem. Based on the findings, it is recommended that parents assess how they relate with their children and not to inculcate trepidation in their children since these have the tendency to affect personality development during adulthood.
Keywords: Adolescents, childhood attachment, secured attachment, unsecured attachment, interpersonal relationship, self-esteem.