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Emotional dependence in courtship: the mediating role between self-esteem and psychological violence in young people

abstract

Emotional dependence is defined as an excessive need for affection by the couple. The aim
of this study was to analyze the relation between self-esteem, emotional dependence and
psychological abuse, to analyze the mediating role of emotional dependence between selfesteem
and psychological abuse, as well as differences in emotional dependence as a function
of gender and sexual orientation. The sample comprised 550 young Spanish participants (462
women and 88 men; 498 heterosexual and 52 homosexual) aged between 18 and 29 years
old (M = 21.16, SD = 2.41). Results showed no difference in emotional dependence between
women and men, and heterosexuals and homosexuals. Emotional dependence was found
to totally mediate the relationship between self-esteem and received psychological abuse
(humiliation and control), between self-esteem and exercised psychological abuse (humiliation
and control), and to partially mediate the relationship between self-esteem and exercised
psychological abuse (social isolation). These results may provide new keys to the incorporation
of emotional dependence in psychological abuse prevention programs.

Keywords:

Emotional dependence; Psychological violence; Dating; Self-esteem; Gender.

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Authors

Irache Urbiola - Universidad de Deusto
Ana Estévez - Universidad de Deusto
Itziar Iruarrizaga - Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Janire Momeñe - Universidad de Deusto
Paula Jáuregui - Universidad de Deusto
María Bilbao - Universidad de Deusto
Usue Orbegozo - Universidad de Deusto