Relationship between Attachment Styles and Emotional Intelligence: Mediating Role of Ego Strength

The aim of the present study was to examine the mediating role of ego strength in the relationship between attachment styles of secure, avoidant, ambivalent and emotional intelligence. A total of 511 students (269 female, 242 male) participated in this study voluntarily. All participants were asked to complete Adult Attachment Inventory (AAI), Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS), and Ego Strength Scale (ESS). Results showed that there was a significant positive relationship between secure attachment style and emotional intelligence. Avoidant and ambivalent attachment styles showed significant negative associations with emotional intelligence. Results of regression method revealed that ego strength mediated the relationship between attachment styles and emotional intelligence. It was shown that secure and insecure attachment styles can predict changes of emotional intelligence through ego strength in opposite directions. Consequently, it can be concluded that mediating role of ego strength on the relationship between attachment styles and emotional intelligence was partial.