Understanding Attachment Styles

Attachment styles are formed based on childhood experiences and can change throughout life. Neglect, inconsistent care, and lack of affection can lead to an avoidant attachment style, where individuals fear closeness and isolate themselves. This can result in trouble expressing emotions, discomfort with physical closeness, fear of commitment, and self-sabotaging behaviors in relationships. The fearful avoidant attachment style combines traits of both avoidant and anxious styles, causing a fear of both closeness and abandonment. The anxious attachment style arises from inconsistent parenting, leading to clinginess, seeking constant reassurance, fear of being left alone, and low self-esteem.