Page 97 - JCBP-3-3

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

than their peers are often described as highly sensitive. affective dependence show negative moods and feelings
Although high SPS is not a pathology, it is frequently when separated from their partner. Highly sensitive
18
considered a vulnerability factor associated with greater individuals, in general, may be dependent on their peer
19
perceived stress and higher levels of depressive affect and relationships, and they are more likely to experience less
anxiety symptoms. During adolescence, these somatic satisfaction in their relationships due to their heightened
3,4
symptoms have been well studied, and SPS in adolescents vulnerability to negative emotions and conflict. In
20
is particularly associated with internalized problems. In addition, affective dependence (excluding romantic
5
general, highly sensitive adolescents are more responsive relationships), particularly on parents, is correlated with
21
to environmental stimuli, particularly to stressful events, SPS due to marked parental overprotection. Furthermore,
5
22
leading them to report lower socio-emotional well-being SPS is linked to attachment style, especially anxious
when faced with negative life events than less sensitive attachment. 23
6
adolescents. Thus, the environment plays a crucial role The present research aims to understand the relationship
in the life of a highly sensitive person, modulating or between SPS, self-esteem, and affective dependence. We are
amplifying their sensitivity to stimuli. also interested in the relationships between the different
Adolescence is a non-homogeneous period between components of these constructs and the mediating role of
7
childhood and adulthood, spanning approximately 14 self-esteem between high SPS and affective dependence.
– 21 years of age. It is a sensitive developmental period The following hypotheses will be tested in this study:
consisting of changes, transitions, and vulnerabilities. (i) Hypothesis 1: SPS and self-esteem are correlated with
This period is linked to physical and cerebral maturation, affective dependence
characterized by questioning, especially personality (ii) Hypothesis 2: Gender influences scores on the
development. 8 Synonymous with empowerment, different scales
adolescence implies a certain distance from the family and (iii) Hypothesis 3: Self-esteem mediates the relationship
a rapprochement with peers, leading to the construction between SPS and affective dependence
9
of the adolescent’s identity. This construction of identity (iv) Hypothesis 4: Romantic relationship experience
is generally associated with self-esteem, which can be influences affective dependence scores.
defined as “your overall evaluation of your worth as a
person, high or low, based on all the positive and negative 2. Materials and methods
self-perceptions that make up your self-concept.” 10(p268) 2.1. Procedure and recruitment
Self-esteem is a stable trait but not a constant one, The study and research protocol were approved by the
varying throughout an individual’s life according to their Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Subjects
life experiences (positive or negative). Self-esteem is of the Universities of Tours and Poitiers (CER-TP) (number
associated with children’s mental, emotional, behavioral, December 05, 2023). Participants were invited to answer
and social development, and it is a predictor of well- a questionnaire hosted online on the Sphinx platform
being and success in work, health, and relationships. It is and were informed that their answers would remain
11
significantly correlated with SPS, especially among highly anonymous and confidential. Before completing the
12
sensitive adolescents and young adults, who often have questionnaire, participants were informed about the aims
low self-esteem and high levels of depression. Crépel of the study and were explicitly asked for their consent to
13
14
stresses the importance of self-esteem in highly sensitive continue. The estimated time to complete the questionnaire
children and adolescents, who have high expectations for was approximately 20 min. The questionnaire was available
their relationships and can easily become dependent on from February 5, 2024, to March 31, 2024. The link was
others, making them very sensitive to peer rejection and distributed in discussion groups on social networks (such
the need for external approval. 14 as Facebook and Instagram), in secondary schools with
These relationships of highly sensitive individuals the agreement of the management, and by word of mouth.
can take a particular form, especially when involving The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) French-speaking
dependency. Scantamburlo et al. 15(p340) describe affective individuals, (ii) individuals between 15 and 20 years old,
dependence as “characterized by emotional distress and (iii) those who have a digital device. We used G*Power
(insecure attachment) and dependency to another person analysis (Version 3.1.9.6) for multiple linear regression
with a low self-esteem and reassurance need.” Many authors with a desired effect size of <0.02, an alpha threshold
have linked affective dependence and self-esteem. As a of 0.05, and a power of 0.95 for the two predictors (SPS
16
result, affective dependence is often associated with changes and self-esteem). The minimum number of participants
in mental health and quality of life. Individuals with expected in this configuration was 70.
17

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 91 doi: 10.36922/JCBP025070011