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Tyler grew up with a preoccupied attachment style. Which of the following behaviors is he likely to exhibit as an adult?

a) Fear of intimacy
b) Difficulty trusting others
c) Desire for closeness
d) Emotional independence

User Zeba
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

As an adult, Tyler with a preoccupied attachment style is likely to exhibit behaviors such as a desire for closeness and difficulty trusting others, stemming from childhood experiences of inconsistent caregiver responsiveness.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Tyler grew up with a preoccupied attachment style, he is likely to exhibit behaviors such as a desire for closeness and possibly difficulty trusting others. Preoccupied attachment in adults often manifests as a worry about being rejected, a need for reassurance and connection, and possibly clingy or dependent behavior. These characteristics emanate from the underlying anxiety and uncertainty about others' responsiveness and availability that were learned during childhood.

For example, in early adulthood, an individual like Tyler may constantly seek validation and fear abandonment, thereby demonstrating a strong desire for closeness. Yet, paradoxically, their worry about trust can result in relationships that are mired with insecurities and mistrust.

It's useful to note that mature attachment styles can evolve from childhood attachment patterns, impacted by ongoing relationship experiences and personal growth. The preoccupied attachment style is akin to the resistant attachment style described in Ainsworth's attachment theory, where children exhibit clingy behavior but may also reject the caregiver's attempts to interact due to inconsistency in the caregiver's responsiveness.

User Nikhil Sridhar
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