closenessseeking

Closeness seeking, sometimes written as closeness-seeking, describes the tendency to seek physical or emotional closeness to a caregiver or attachment figure in order to reduce distress and gain support. It is a central component of attachment behavior, particularly in situations of threat, separation, or uncertainty. The term is closely related to proximity seeking, a concept from attachment theory, where individuals attempt to remain near an attachment figure and use that figure as a safe haven and a secure base.

In infancy, closeness-seeking behaviors include clinging, proximity maintenance, following the caregiver, and reaching out for contact. Across development, the intensity and form of closeness seeking can reflect the quality of the attachment bond. Securely attached individuals typically regulate closeness seeking in adaptive ways, while those with anxious or insecure attachments may show heightened or inappropriate requests for reassurance or contact.

In adults, closeness seeking can appear in intimate relationships as a desire for reassurance, frequent communication, or physical closeness. While these behaviors can support bonding and support, excessive closeness seeking may signal insecurity or dependency in some clinical contexts. Conversely, very low closeness seeking can reflect avoidance of closeness and may undermine relationships.

Research on closeness seeking intersects with measures of attachment style and with observed caregiving and bonding behaviors. It remains a term used across developmental and clinical psychology to describe how individuals seek closeness to others as a strategy to manage distress.