Insecure Attachment

Definition

A type of emotional bond where children do not trust their caregivers consistently and may show various degrees of resistance or avoidance towards them.

Analogy

Imagine insecure attachment as having unreliable Wi-Fi. Sometimes it works perfectly fine, but other times it disconnects randomly or doesn't work at all. Just like how unpredictable Wi-Fi can cause frustration and uncertainty, so can inconsistent caregiving in forming insecure attachments.

Related terms

Avoidant Attachment Style: An attachment style characterized by difficulty trusting and relying on others, leading to avoidance of close relationships.

Ambivalent Attachment Style: An attachment style characterized by intense emotional dependence on others coupled with fear of abandonment and rejection.

Disorganized Attachment Style: An attachment style characterized by confusion about whether to approach or avoid the caregiver due to inconsistent responses.