The Effect of Early Adult Attachment on Interpersonal Competence: The Mediation Effect of Emotional Clarity

Objectives This study was conducted to verify the mediating effect of emotion recognition clarity in the relation-ship between insecure adult attachment and interpersonal ability. Methods To this end, a total of 321 copies of data were finally analyzed online for unmarried adult men and women in their 20s and 30s. Based on the collected data, descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were performed using the SPSS 23 program, and structural models and mediating effects were verified using the AMOS 22.0 program. Results The results of this study are as follows: First, anxious attachment and avoidant attachment showed a negative correlation with emotional clarity and interpersonal ability. Emotion recognition clarity and interpersonal ability showed a positive correlation. Second, in the effect of anxious attachment on interpersonal ability, emotion recognition clarity showed a significant complete mediating effect. Third, in the effect of avoidant attachment on interpersonal ability, emotion recognition clarity showed a significant partial mediating effect. In other words, at-tachment insecurity directly affects interpersonal skills. Low emotional clarity can lead to low interpersonal skills, and attachment avoidance directly affects interpersonal skills, but low emotional clarity can reduce interpersonal relationships. It suggests that the ability may be lowered. Conclusions These research results indicate that anxious attachment and avoidant attachment affect inter-personal ability through emotional clarity, and that individuals with anxious attachment and avoidant attachment in early adulthood clearly understand their emotions experienced in interpersonal relationships. It is significant in suggesting the need for counseling intervention to improve interpersonal skills by helping to communicate well.