Adult attachment style, self- esteem and professional satisfaction
Graduation Date
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Program
Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, Psychology: Counseling, 2014
Committee Chair Name
Emily Sommerman
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Psychology, Professional satisfaction, Attachment style, Self- esteem
Abstract
Attachment theory is gaining attention in vocational psychology as it shows relevance in the work place by providing insight into an individual and is seen as an influencing factor on cognition and behavior across situations (Richards Schat, 2011). Four working categories of adult attachment include: secure attachment, dismissing- avoidant attachment, preoccupied attachment and fearful-avoidant attachment (Bartholomew, 1990). High self- esteem is another mediating factor and influences goals, job related strategies and career success, as defined by pay and early life career satisfaction (Judge and Hurst, 2008). This study looks into the relationship between an individual's attachment style and level of self-esteem in relation to professional satisfaction. 143 subjects answered the following questionnaires via an online survey: The Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (ECR-R), The Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS). Results have found a significant relationship between attachment style and professional satisfaction. Securely attached subjects reported the highest levels of job satisfaction, followed by preoccupied subjects, dismissive avoidant subjects and fearful avoidant subject, respectively. Insecure attachment is related to a decrease in job satisfaction, as traits of anxiety and avoidance have a moderate negative correlation with job satisfaction. Self- esteem was found to have a moderate positive correlation to professional satisfaction. These results suggest attachment style and level of self- esteem as relevant influences on professional satisfaction.
Recommended Citation
Davidoff, Lori M., "Adult attachment style, self- esteem and professional satisfaction" (2014). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 1998.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/1998
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/6h440v82v