What can cause a child to develop avoidant attachment? Is it always the parents?
Avoidant attachment can develop when children experience caregivers as emotionally unavailable, unresponsive, or dismissive. This might happen if parents discourage emotional expression or discourage closeness. It’s not always just the parents—it can also involve inconsistent caregiving, neglect, or stressful family environments. Remember, attachment styles are shaped by a mix of factors, and understanding these helps support healthier emotional development.
Avoidant attachment often arises from caregivers consistently being emotionally unavailable or dismissive. However, it’s not solely parents—temperament and early experiences also play roles. Research (e.g., Ainsworth, 1978) highlights how a child learns to self-rely when emotional needs aren’t met, leading to avoidance as a coping mechanism. It’s complex and multifaceted.
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