Investigation of the relationship between dating anxiety, self-esteem and social connectedness in emerging adults

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between dating anxiety (DA), self-esteem (SE) and social connectedness (SC), particularly the degree in which self-esteem and social connectedness can be considered predictors of dating anxiety, as well as the differences and similarities between participants regarding the three concepts (dating anxiety, self-esteem and social connectedness) based on their age, gender and the relational status. The sample consisted in 200 participants young adults (from several counties in Romania), aged 18-30 years old. Data were collected online by three instruments regarding DA, SE, and SC. The quantitative analysis of the results indicates positive and statistically significant correlations between SE and SC, negative correlations between DA and SE and between DA and SC. The results are discussed by reffering to previous data in the literature and from the perspective of their applied values in relation to the wellbeing of young adults involved (or trying to be involved) in romantic relationships.