Attachment Style Quiz: Understanding Your Relationship Patterns
Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and later expanded by Mary Ainsworth, explains how early bonds with caregivers shape how we form emotional connections in adulthood. Taking an attachment style quiz helps you identify your predominant style—which influences friendships, romantic relationships, and even workplace dynamics.
The 4 Adult Attachment Styles
- Secure Attachment
- Traits: Comfortable with intimacy, trusts easily, communicates needs well.
- Behavior: Balanced between independence and closeness.
- Childhood Roots: Consistent caregiving, emotional availability.
- Anxious (Preoccupied) Attachment
- Traits: Craves closeness, fears abandonment, seeks reassurance.
- Behavior: May overanalyze texts, need frequent validation.
- Childhood Roots: Inconsistent care (sometimes nurturing, sometimes distant).
- Avoidant (Dismissive) Attachment
- Traits: Values independence, uncomfortable with vulnerability.
- Behavior: Pulls away when things get too intimate.
- Childhood Roots: Emotionally distant or dismissive caregivers.
- Fearful-Avoidant (Disorganized) Attachment
- Traits: Mixed feelings—wants love but fears hurt.
- Behavior: Hot-and-cold, struggles to trust.
- Childhood Roots: Trauma, abuse, or highly unpredictable caregiving.
How the Quiz Works
Most quizzes ask how you think/feel/act in relationships, like:
- “I worry my partner will leave me.” (Anxious)
- “I prefer not to rely on others.” (Avoidant)
- “I’m comfortable depending on someone.” (Secure)
You’ll get a score indicating your dominant style (many people have a mix!).
Why It Matters
- Relationships: Explains why you clash with certain partners (e.g., anxious + avoidant = “push-pull” dynamic).
- Self-Growth: Helps you challenge unhealthy patterns (e.g., learning to trust if you’re avoidant).
- Parenting: Breaking cycles by fostering secure attachment in kids.