Attachment Styles — 4 Types

Click any style to see its full profile, including how it shows up in close relationships and tips for growth.

Attachment theory, originally developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, describes how early caregiver relationships shape your adult patterns in close relationships.

There are four primary styles, determined by where you sit on two dimensions: anxiety (fear of abandonment) and avoidance (discomfort with closeness).

FAQ

Can my attachment style change?: Yes — though core patterns are stable, an 'earned secure attachment' is achievable through self-reflection, stable relationships, and sometimes therapy.
What if my partner has a different style?: Different styles can absolutely work together. The key is awareness, communication, and respecting each other's needs around closeness.
Is one style universally best?: Secure attachment tends to predict the most relationship satisfaction. But any style can build healthy relationships with awareness and skill.