AnxiousPreoccupied

Anxious-preoccupied attachment is an adult attachment pattern identified in attachment theory. It is marked by high levels of relationship anxiety and a persistent fear of abandonment, combined with a strong need for closeness and reassurance from others.

Origins lie in early caregiving experiences, often involving inconsistent responsiveness. The resulting internal working model emphasizes a negative view of the self and a positive view of others, leading individuals to seek closeness while fearing rejection.

In romantic relationships, people with this style may frequently seek reassurance, monitor a partner's availability, interpret neutral cues as signs of withdrawal, and become preoccupied with perceived threats to the relationship. They may feel jealous, clingy, or overly dependent, and their distress can be amplified by perceived distance from partners.

The pattern can contribute to relationship distress and may co-occur with anxiety disorders or mood symptoms. It is typically contrasted with secure attachment (low anxiety, low avoidance), and with dismissing-avoidant and fearful-avoidant styles.

Assessment is usually based on self-report questionnaires, such as the Experiences in Close Relationships scales, rather than a formal clinical diagnosis. Management often involves psychotherapy and skills training, including emotion regulation, communication, boundaries, and cognitive reframing to reduce dependency and improve authenticity.