The Effects of Childhood Attachment, Self-Esteem, and Personality on Loneliness among University Students

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of childhood attachment to parents on loneliness among university students, with particular regard to self-esteem and personality as mediating variables. 200 students were selected for the questionnaire study in a university in Busan, There were significant correlations among attachment, self-esteem, and personality with state and trait loneliness. Anxious attachment to one\'s mother was a significant predictor of state loneliness, while avoidant attachment to one\'s father was a significant predictor of trait loneliness. The hierarchical multiple analyses revealed only partial support for the hypothesis that the three attachment styles have a direct link with loneliness mediated by self-esteem and personality. The results and limitations of this study are also discussed, from the perspective of attachment theory and previous studies.