Attachment Styles
This Blog post will discuss Attachment styles. Attachment styles vary but it is important to acknowledge your attachment style to understand how it may affect your relationships.
What is Attachment Styles?
Attachment styles are formed in early childhood and are one’s attachment to one's caregiver. Overtime, this early bond allows us to build and interpret relationships with others as adults (Levy et al. 2021). Although adult attachments originate in early childhood, they may change over time due to environmental and relationship changes (Fraley & Roisman, 2019). The 4 attachment styles are:
1. Anxious (Preoccupied)
2. Avoidant (Dismissive)
3. Disorganized (Fearful-Avoidant)
4. Secure
Anxious or Preoccupied attachment is one fearing they will be abandoned. Individuals may have difficulty expressing emotions, clingy to others, and tend to need constant reassurance (Huang, 2024). Avoidant or Dismissive attachment refers to individuals who appear detached from others. Individuals may be overly independent and uninterested in making connections or developing close relationships (Huang, 2024). Disorganized or Fearful attachment is individuals who are fearful of making close relationships however, they desire it. They may fear vulnerability but desire intimacy (Huang, 2024). Lastly, Secure attachments are individuals with a balance of dependence and independence in relationships (Huang, 2024).
One’s attachment style affects relationships around them. It can affect your relationship with your child, your partner, or your friendships. It is important to note attachment styles fluctuate throughout our life. Take a moment and think, what is my attachment style? Do I need more support in a specific relationship or building connections? How do I feel about myself in these relationships? It is important to reflect and take time how you see yourself in your different relationships. Also, it is important to seek mental health services to build the skills needed to communicate your needs, wants, feelings, and concerns in your relationships. For more information regarding mental health services, please see our main website.
References:
Fraley, R. C., & Roisman, G. I. (2019). The development of adult attachment styles: four lessons. Current Opinion in Psychology, 25, 26-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.02.008
Huang, S. (2024, January 23). Attachment styles in relationships. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/attachment-styles.html
Levy, K.N., Ellison, W.D., Scott, L.N. and Bernecker, S.L. (2011), Attachment style†. J. Clin. Psychol., 67: 193-203. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20756