The Influence of Relationship Status and Emotion Regulation on Self Esteem and Relationship Anxiety

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between different relationship statuses such as being single, in a situational relationship, in a committed relationship, or married and a person’s ability to regulate their emotions, as well as their self-esteem and relationship anxiety. A total of 268 individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 participated by completing an online survey using three well-established psychological scales: the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale–Short Form (DERS-SF), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Experiences in Close Relationships–Short Form (ECR-S). To understand patterns and differences, the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD post hoc test, and Pearson’s correlation. The results showed that individuals in stable, committed relationships and those who reported better emotional regulation tended to have higher self-esteem. However, relationship status and emotional regulation did not significantly predict relationship anxiety, pointing to the possibility that other factors like personal coping styles or emotional closeness may be more critical.