The Power of Adult Attachment Styles

What are the three general categories of adult attachment styles described by Hazan and Shaver?

1. Secure

2. Avoidant

3. Anxious/ambivalent

The Three General Categories of Adult Attachment Styles

The three general categories of adult attachment styles described by Hazan and Shaver are secure, avoidant, and anxious/ambivalent. These attachment styles play a significant role in shaping how individuals behave in their romantic relationships.

Adult attachment styles, as described by Hazan and Shaver, are influenced by individuals' childhood relationships with their parents. Adults who were secure in their romantic relationships tend to recall their childhood relationships as affectionate, caring, and accepting. This sense of security allows them to build healthy and trusting relationships with their partners.

On the other hand, individuals with an avoidant attachment style, like Deidre in the scenario provided, are often suspicious of the nice gestures from their partners. They may fear that their partner has ulterior motives, making them hesitant to fully commit to the relationship. This avoidance stems from a lack of trust and a fear of vulnerability.

The third category, anxious/ambivalent attachment style, involves individuals who crave intimacy but are also plagued by fears of rejection and abandonment. They may exhibit clingy behavior and constantly seek reassurance from their partners, leading to a cycle of emotional highs and lows in the relationship.

Understanding these adult attachment styles can help individuals navigate their relationships more effectively. By recognizing their own attachment style and that of their partner, they can work towards building a more secure and fulfilling relationship based on trust, communication, and emotional support.