Emotional dependence: explanatory model of personality, self-esteem and fear of being single

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the relationship between emotional dependence, fear of being single and the Big Five personality factors. There were two samples, one with 240 people, 59.6% female and with ages ranging between 18 and 43. Sample 2 was made up of 241 people, ranging from 18 to 38 years old, the majority female (56 %). The instruments used were Emotional Dependence Questionnaire, Big Five Factors Inventory, Fear of Being Single Scale and Sociodemographic Questionnaire. After performing Pearson’s R correlations, multiple regressions and mediation analysis were used, using the PROCESS extension. The results showed statistically significant relationships between the personality trait neuroticism predicting emotional dependence behavior, although self-esteem and the fear of being single play a mediating role in the relationship. This investigation could be important for prevention actions against romantic relationships and emotional dependence.