Anxious-preoccupied attachment is connected to several mental health and relationship problems. For instance, studies show that this type of attachment may be related to how childhood emotional abuse influences the development of borderline personality disorder.

Characteristics

People with an anxious-preoccupied attachment style often want close and caring relationships, but they may feel worried and unsure if the people they care about will be there for them. This style is linked to seeing themselves in a negative way and viewing others in a positive way, which can cause them to focus heavily on relationships and fear being left alone.

These individuals are more likely to notice emotional signals and may believe others feel more pain or discomfort than they actually do. This could happen because they imagine others experience emotions similar to their own. They are more focused on reaching goals in therapy and may feel therapy sessions, especially with a therapist they don’t trust, are less helpful.

People with this attachment style often have a negative view of themselves and may see others in an unclear or changing way, which can make it harder to have healthy relationships.

They have more chances to think about their feelings, which helps them understand and share their emotions better. However, they might avoid expressing negative emotions, especially in close relationships, and may choose to stay quiet instead.

Causes

The anxious-preoccupied attachment style is linked to being more alert to important social signals, as shown by greater activity in the amygdala during tasks that involve judging social situations. This may lead to a strong focus on whether attachment figures are available or responsive.

Research

Studies on parenting have found that parents who are overly worried about their relationships often show more angry and unfriendly behavior, and less loving and caring behavior, compared to parents who have a secure sense of attachment.

Research has also shown that older people are less likely to be overly worried about their relationships compared to younger people.