Correlation between self-esteem and romantic relationship satisfaction among genders of healthcare workes in Latvia

Objectives. Health care workers (HCW) with higher depression and anxiety rates had lower self-esteem
and higher dissatisfaction in romantic relationships. The aim of the study is to assess a correlation between
self-esteem and romantic relationship satisfaction among genders of health care workers (HCW) in Latvia.
Materials and Methods. A quantitative cross-sectional study in the population of HCW in Latvia
was made during April-June 2020. 844 HCW participated in the study. Self-esteem was assessed using
the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Participants were asked about the family relationship status-married,
unmarried with a partner, single-and feeling of satisfaction in it. Data was analysed using SPSS using
Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Results. Out of 844 HCW, 710 (84.1%) were women. Age median for all participants - 40 (IQR 29-
54).Rosenberg‘s self-esteem test median- 32 (IQR 28-36). No statistically significant correlation was found
between self-esteem and relationship status among all participants(p = 0.138); among women (p = 0.495);
among men (p = 0.054). Among all participants statistically significant, negative, very weak correlations
were found between self-esteem and romantic relationship dissatisfaction (RS = -0.196; p < 0.001). Among
women of married group, a statistically significant, negative, very weak correlation was found between selfesteem and marriage dissatisfaction (RS = -0.138; p = 0.019). Among women of unmarried group with a
partner a statistically significant, negative, weak correlation was found between self-esteem and relationship
dissatisfaction (RS = -0.383; p < 0.001). In single women participant group, a statistically significant,
negative, very weak correlation was found between self-esteem and being single (RS = -0.185; p = 0.022).
Among men, no statistically significant correlation was found between self-esteem and relationship
dissatisfaction (p = 0.420; p = 0.216; p = 0.830).
Conclusions. Lower self-esteem corelates with higher dissatisfaction in romantic relationships among
all participants. Difference between genders was found – women with lower self-esteem are more frequently
dissatisfied in romantic relationships, however this was not found among men. Among men, there is
tendency that self-esteem could be associated with relationship status, however that should be further
studied in larger populati on.