anxious

Definition

An attachment style characterized by a need for constant reassurance, fear of abandonment, relationship anxiety, and heightened emotional sensitivity. Anxiously attached individuals often seek high levels of closeness and may experience distress when separated from partners.

Example Usage

Her anxious attachment style means she needs frequent validation and gets worried when her partner doesn't respond quickly to texts.

Origin

From psychological attachment theory; 'anxious attachment' was identified by Mary Ainsworth in her 1978 research on infant-caregiver bonds.

Fun Fact

Anxious and avoidant attachment styles are often drawn to each other in relationships, creating a dynamic called 'anxious-avoidant pairing.'

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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