The Study of Emotional Intelligence, Attachment Styles, and Self-Esteem of First and Second Children

ABSTRACT: Emotional intelligence, attachment style, and self-esteem are important concepts in social interactions that can affect social relationships. This study aims to investigate the differences between emotional intelligence, attachment style, and self-esteem of the first and second children during their adolescence. Employing a quantitative method of survey, three questionnaires are used to collect data; IPPA for attachment, TEIQue for emotional intelligence, and TSI for self-esteem. Also, the socio-demographic questions are developed by the researcher. 261 male and female adolescents participated in this survey study. The results show that there is no statistically significant difference in attachment, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem between the first and second children. However, considering the variable of gender, the results indicate a significant difference between male and female participants in their emotional intelligence and self-esteem; the mean of emotional intelligence in female adolescents is lower than male ones. Also, the mean of self-esteem in males is higher than females. In conclusion, there is no statistically significant difference between the first and the second children. Regarding the issue of gender, female adolescents have a lower rate in both variables of emotional intelligence and self-esteem. This result can be considered that parents should be aware and pay more attention to their emotional intelligence and self-esteem of their female children during their adolescence. KEYWORDS: Emotional intelligence, Attachment style, Self-esteem, first and second children, adolescenc