Dismissive-Avoidant Attachment

Dismissive-avoidant attachment is a tendency to avoid emotional closeness, intimacy, and dependence on others, prioritizing independence and self-reliance. This insecure attachment style often develops when a child’s emotional needs are not consistently met or when their caregivers are emotionally unavailable or dismissive. They may have learned relying on others is risky or that emotional closeness is something to be avoided. Also see Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD) and Attachment Styles. Core characteristics:

• Independence and self-reliance valued above all else
• Avoidance of intimacy, may distance themselves before relationships become too intimate
• Negative view of others, believing they’re unreliable or untrustworthy
• Difficulty with trust, may be hesitant to share feelings or needs
• Commitment issues, may end relationships to avoid feeling vulnerable or dependent
• Distancing behaviors, such as withdrawing from conversations or avoiding physical touch
• Suppressed emotions to maintain a sense of control