Final answer:
Individuals with an avoidant attachment style fear rejection and often avoid close relationships to prevent potential disappointment. This contrasts with the secure attachment style, where a child uses a caregiver as a secure base to explore their world.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person who is fearing rejection and shunning relationships in an attempt to avoid pain is best described as having an avoidant attachment style. This attachment style is characterized by an individual's reluctance or unwillingness to establish close relationships because they prioritize emotional independence and self-sufficiency over intimacy. Avoidant individuals often maintain distance from others to prevent potential disappointment or rejection.
To provide an example and further context, in cases where a child uses the parent as a base from which to explore their world, this is indicative of a secure attachment style, showing trust and confidence in the caregiver. Conversely, in avoidant attachment, the child remains unresponsive to the parent, does not view the parent as a secure base, and seems indifferent to the parent's comings and goings, often due to experiences with an unresponsive caregiver.