Attachment styles describe the different ways people interact and behave in relationships. Research has shown that our attachment style is set in early childhood and persists throughout our lifetime. The styles are either secure or insecure. If a child grows up with consistency, reliability, and safety, they will likely have a secure style of attachment. As adults, the individuals who are securely attached tend to have trusting, lasting relationships, good self-esteem, the ability to share feelings with partners and friends, and seek out social support. Individuals who develop insecure attachment did not grow up in a consistent, supportive, validating environment. As adults, they generally have trouble making emotional connections with others; they can be aggressive or unpredictable toward their loved ones. Signs of insecure attachment style often include depression and anxiety, frequent outbursts and erratic behaviors, poor self-image and self-hatred, and the perpetuation of trauma in relationships.
* Confidence, discomfort with closeness, need for approval, preoccupation with relationships, relationships, ASQ score.
Feeney JA, Noller P, Hanrahan M. Assessing adult attachment. In: Sperling MB, Berman WH. editors. Attachment In Adults: Clinical and Developmental Perspectives. New York, NY: Guilford Press; (1994). p. 128–52.
