THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADULT SEPARATION ANXIETY AND SELF-ESTEEM IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between self-esteem and both childhood and adult separation anxiety in individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders, and to evaluate the predictive role of self-esteem on adult separation anxiety. Material and Methods: The study was conducted between September and November 2022 with 102 patients diagnosed with an anxiety disorder according to DSM-5 criteria and 102 healthy controls who presented to the outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital. Participants completed a sociodemographic data form, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory, and the Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0, and group comparisons, correlation analyses, and regression analyses were performed. Results: Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale scores were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group, indicating lower levels of self-esteem. The patient group also showed significantly higher Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire scores and a greater proportion of individuals exceeding the clinical cut-off for adult separation anxiety (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between groups regarding childhood separation anxiety. Correlation analyses revealed that lower self-esteem was positively associated with both childhood and adult separation anxiety. Regression analyses demonstrated that lower self-esteem and higher Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory scores were significant independent predictors of elevated adult separation anxiety levels. Conclusion: Individuals with anxiety disorders exhibit lower self-esteem and higher adult separation anxiety compared to healthy controls. Self-esteem is closely associated with both childhood and adult separation anxiety and serves as an important predictor of adult separation anxiety. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing self-esteem may represent a valuable clinical target for reducing separation anxiety symptoms.