Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate potential mediators(i.e.,self-esteem and security) in the relationship between adult attachment orientations(anxiety and avoidance) and anxiety.Methods: A total of 470 undergraduates completed measures of adult attachment orientations,self-esteem,security and anxiety.Results: Bootstrap mediation analysis revealed that both self-esteem and security acted as mediators in the relationship between adult attachment orientations and anxiety.The mediating effect size of self-esteem was 0.22(for attachment anxiety) and 0.54(for attachment avoidance).The mediating effect size of security was 0.25(for attachment anxiety) and 0.31(for attachment avoidance);In addition,a serial mediating effect of self-esteem via security was found,and the mediating effect size was 0.06(for attachment anxiety) and 0.15(for attachment avoidance) respectively.Conclusion: Attachment-anxious and attachment-avoidant individuals lack the corresponding self-worth and security,which ultimately affects their anxiety.

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