Page 103 - JCBP-3-3

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Sensitivity, self-esteem, and affective dependence

the respondents (15 – 20 years). However, the literature perceived benefits of high sensitivity. Moreover, there is a
shows that SPS changes with age. 32 need to critically examine the growing tendency to frame
Our third hypothesis analyzed the mediating role of high sensitivity as a resource, particularly in the context
self-esteem in the relationship between SPS and affective of a capitalist and productivist society. In such a society,
individual traits are increasingly studied to enable better
dependence. The results support this hypothesis. In adaptation to the living environment as well as to cope
summary, SPS has a positive influence on affective with the increasingly difficult working conditions.
dependence but a negative influence on self-esteem,
which, in turn, has a negative influence on affective 5. Limitations
dependence. In other words, higher SPS tends to increase
affective dependence and decrease self-esteem. Conversely, Regarding the limitations of our study, we believe that
higher self-esteem tends to reduce affective dependence. it is particularly important to highlight the emotional
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The influence of SPS on affective dependence can thus instability that exists during adolescence, which may
be partly explained by self-esteem. This mediational have influenced SPS and self-esteem scores. Hence, our
relationship confirms several key points. First, regarding results cannot be generalized to other demographic
the relationship between sensitivity and self-esteem, our groups. In terms of the questionnaire and the scales used,
results align with existing literature that adolescents and some feedback indicated that certain words were difficult
young adults with high sensitivity tend to have lower for adolescents to understand (e.g., “stimuli”), prompting
self-esteem. 12,13 Second, with respect to the relationship some to seek help from an adult for clarification. We
between self-esteem and affective dependence, linear also noted that the questions on the ADS-9 scale were
regression analysis confirms the negative influence of self- considered to be inappropriate for young people aged
esteem on affective dependence, consistent with previous 15 – 18 years, with many finding them complex. Another
limitation of the ADS-9 scale is that the responses of
research highlighting that low self-esteem is a trigger for
affective dependence. 14 participants who had never been in a relationship were
considered less reliable, as those individuals might
Our fourth hypothesis explored the influence of have based their answers on a hypothetical romantic
the experience of a romantic relationship on affective relationship, making it unlikely for them to engage in
dependence scores. The results confirmed this hypothesis, an affective dependence relationship voluntarily. Out of
showing that individuals who were or had been in a the 100 participants, 41 participants had never been in
relationship reported lower scores than others, particularly a relationship. This figure should not be overlooked as it
for the “craving” component. Relationship craving can be is not representative of the whole sample. As a result, the
defined as the imperative need for the other in response to generalizability of the findings is limited. However, given
distressing emotional states. Interestingly, the experience the size of the sample, we have decided to retain this data
of being in a relationship seems to reduce overall for statistical analysis, although we are aware that using
affective dependence, suggesting that the perception of a hypothetical relationship to infer the existence of a
relationships may be idealized or distorted before the dependency introduces a significant bias. Furthermore,
experience. This finding opens up avenues of research while our sample size may be considered too small for
into the social representation of couple relationships broader generalization to all adolescents, this study was
and love in adolescence and the possible socio-cognitive exploratory, and it successfully confirmed the relationship
consequences (such as stereotypes and behaviors) or between the examined constructs.
health consequences, such as anxiety. For instance,
Galliher et al. found that two people in a dependent 6. Conclusion
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romantic relationship had lower self-esteem. Notably, First, we suggest that future studies be conducted under
existing literature suggests a more complex relationship more favorable conditions to obtain a larger sample. In
between self-esteem and affective dependence, which is addition, it would be valuable to use a more appropriate
thought to operate bilaterally. The role of high SPS in scale to measure affective dependence (such as the Perrotta
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affective dependence, particularly through self-esteem, Affective Dependence Questionnaire or the Emotional
also warrants further investigation. While some studies Dependence in Dating of Young People and Adolescents),
suggest no gender differences in terms of sensitivity, others as we encountered significant difficulties with the existing
highlight its prevalence in women, raising the question of scales in this study. Another potential avenue for research
whether this is viewed as socially desirable or undesirable. would be to conduct a similar study with the same variables
Given its largely negative impact on the health of those but analyze sensitivity on a categorical basis, as proposed
affected, it is essential to continue questioning the initially by Lionetti et al. 2

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 97 doi: 10.36922/JCBP025070011