Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

A Study of the Associations Between Relationship Contingent Self-Esteem, Relationship Functioning, and Mental Health

Callahan, Kelly Leigh
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5086-6203
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1524062306890816

Abstract Details

2018, Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, Psychology, Clinical.
There has been much research done on self-esteem in the field of psychology, and its effect on mental health, such as depression, has also been well-documented. More recently, the concept of contingent self-esteem has been introduced, and initial research suggests that individuals high in contingent self-esteem, meaning they base their self-esteem on external factors, have a higher rate of depressive symptoms. A relatively new type of contingent self-esteem, known as relationship contingent self-esteem (RCSE), is used to describe those who base their self-esteem predominately on their romantic relationships. Due to the research confirming the relationship between contingent self-esteem and depressive symptoms, it stands to reason that individuals high in RCSE would also experience higher levels of depressive symptoms. However, the association between RCSE and mental health had not yet been studied. This study examined the direct relationship between RCSE and mental health. It also analyzed whether current relationship functioning could serve as a moderator between RCSE and mental health. The current study hypothesized a moderated mediation relationship in which general self-esteem would mediate the relationship between the interaction of RCSE and relationship functioning (RCSE*Relationship Functioning) and mental health. Participants (n=121) were recruited from introductory psychology courses at a mid-size Midwestern Catholic university. Participants were administered six self-report questionnaires in groups of no more than 30, and were instructed to complete each questionnaire independently, and silently. The questionnaires were randomized in terms of order, with the order of the questionnaires having been determined using Latin Square design. Results indicated that the relationship between RCSE and depression was not significant as hypothesized. However, RCSE was found to be positively correlated with anxiety; meaning that the higher the individual is on RCSE, the higher their levels of anxiety. Relationship functioning did not serve as a moderator between RCSE and mental health. The indirect effect of RCSE on mental health was nonsignificant, and relationship functioning was not significantly related to the strength of this relationship. More research is needed with a larger, more diverse sample of participants, as well as more varied methods of data collection, in order to accurately determine the relationship between RCSE and mental health, as well as which other factors may strengthen or weaken this relationship.
Lee Dixon, PhD (Advisor)
Catherine Lutz Zois, PhD (Committee Member)
Jackson Goodnight, PhD (Committee Member)
59 p.
Clinical Psychology
Relationship contingent self-esteem; self-esteem; mental health; relationship functioning; relationship satisfaction; romantic relationships

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Callahan, K. L. (2018). A Study of the Associations Between Relationship Contingent Self-Esteem, Relationship Functioning, and Mental Health [Master's thesis, University of Dayton]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1524062306890816

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Callahan, Kelly. A Study of the Associations Between Relationship Contingent Self-Esteem, Relationship Functioning, and Mental Health. 2018. University of Dayton, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1524062306890816.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Callahan, Kelly. "A Study of the Associations Between Relationship Contingent Self-Esteem, Relationship Functioning, and Mental Health." Master's thesis, University of Dayton, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1524062306890816

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

dayton1524062306890816
1,001
© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Dayton and OhioLINK.