Attachment stylesrefer to the emotions and behaviors an individual has around the significant relationships in their lives.
Research surrounding attachment styles is largely contributed to the work ofDr.
Mary Ainsworth, a developmental psychologist who studied how childrens attachment impacts their response to an unfamiliar situation.
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If your attachment styleis anxious-preoccupied, you might have significant difficultytrustingpeople and have a strong fear of being rejected.
Instead, it means that youfeelthat you are inferior.
Upon the parents return, they may immediately run to the parent for comfort.
Causes of Anxious Preoccupied Attachment
Anxious preoccupied attachment is often influenced by a number of different factors.
However, early childhood experiences and interactions with caregivers play a major role in how attachment styles develop.
Stress and Trauma
Stressful ortraumaticevents can cause a child to develop an anxious preoccupied attachment style.
Parenting Behaviors
A child can also develop a preoccupied attachment style if parents are overprotective.
Partners who display inconsistent affection oremotionally abusivebehaviors can cause insecurity and anxiety around attachment.
you’re free to then use this knowledge to seek appropriate treatment andmake changes.
Working to build health attachments, including with friends, family, and romantic partners can help people heal.
Focus on being consistent and dependable.
Communicate your feelings clearly and be careful to avoid invalidating your partner’s emotions.
(2013).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.).
Fraley RC, Roisman GI.The development of adult attachment styles: four lessons.Current Opinion in Psychology.
