48 The Professional Counselor | Volume 13, Issue 1 Discussion In the current study, we found statistically significant relationships among anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, social self-efficacy, and loneliness. Higher levels of anxious attachment and avoidant attachment were correlated to higher levels of loneliness, which is consistent with prior studies (Benoit & DiTommaso, 2020; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2014). Individuals with insecure attachment styles are predisposed to feeling lonely and may not be motivated to seek out others and engage in social activities. Conversely, those with secure attachment styles are more likely to engage with others because of their healthy view of themselves and their interpersonal ability to build and maintain relationships (Akdoğan, 2017; DiTommaso et al., 2015; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2019). Additionally, the results indicate that social self-efficacy was negatively associated with both anxious attachment and avoidant attachment, as well as loneliness. Students with higher levels of social self-efficacy did not score as having anxious or avoidant attachment styles. Although the weak correlations mean that the findings should be considered with caution, the negative relationship between insecure attachment styles and social self-efficacy reflects the expectations outlined by attachment theory. Specifically, individuals who demonstrate anxious and avoidant attachments will theoretically experience more social interaction challenges, as they may likely possess less social efficacy. In college, many young adults struggle to adjust to their new social networks and make meaningful relationships. This can be especially challenging for students with an insecure attachment style and can result in them experiencing both emotional and social loneliness as described by DiTommaso et al. (2015) and Yanguas et al. (2018). The current study findings of a negative association between social self-efficacy and insecure attachment support the notion that students with insecure attachment styles may have deficits in their prosocial skills and their ability to initiate and maintain interactions with others, in part explaining their loneliness (Akdoğan, 2017). Negative social self-efficacy stems from internalized negative views about self-worth and competence, as well as a fear of rejection and distrust of others, which can contribute to feelings of loneliness (Akdoğan, 2017; DiTommaso et al., 2015). In support of the mediation hypothesis, the relationship between avoidant attachment and loneliness was mediated by social self-efficacy, with high social self-efficacy explaining decreased loneliness in those with avoidant attachment. Interestingly, the relationship between anxious attachment and loneliness was only partially mediated by social self-efficacy. Through the lens of attachment theory, this partial mediation makes sense in that individuals with high anxious attachment tend to be fearful of rejection and abandonment. They tend to be overly self-focused and critical; therefore, they may be more likely to perceive themselves as lonely because these worries undermine the quality of their interpersonal relationships (Akdoğan, 2017; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2014). These individuals may hold a negative working model of self and may be more likely to perceive themselves as low in social selfefficacy, which could account for the partial mediation. Conversely, individuals with an avoidant attachment style typically have low expectations of others and tend to push people away. However, the findings indicate that when individuals also have strong social self-efficacy, this seems to mediate the desire for detachment and help them in building relationships with others. Social self-efficacy strengthens one’s interpersonal competency and social skills, thereby enhancing coping strategies and self-regulation during relationship challenges. Thus, our findings support the existing literature that social self-efficacy mediates the relationship between anxious attachment and avoidant attachment on loneliness.
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