Emotional Abuse: A child with an insecure attachment may internalize negative messages, leading to low self-esteem and heightened sensitivity to criticism.
Physical Abuse: Insecure attachment can cause a child to fear physical harm, leading to hypervigilance or aggressive behavior as a defense mechanism.
Sexual Abuse: An insecure attachment might intensify feelings of shame and confusion, making it difficult for the child to seek help or trust others.
Emotional Neglect: Children with insecure attachment may experience deep feelings of worthlessness and an ongoing need for external validation.
Physical Neglect: Insecure attachment can exacerbate the fear of abandonment and neglect, leading to anxiety and difficulties in self-care.
Household Mental Illness: Insecurely attached children may struggle to cope with a caregiver’s mental illness, leading to increased anxiety and emotional instability.
Household Substance Abuse: A child with an insecure attachment may develop trust issues and a fear of unpredictability due to the caregiver’s substance abuse.
Parental Separation/Divorce: Insecure attachment can intensify feelings of rejection and fear of abandonment following parental separation or divorce.
Household Domestic Violence: Children with insecure attachment may either withdraw or become aggressive, reflecting their internal conflict and fear from witnessing violence.
Incarceration of a Household Member: An insecure attachment may lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and fear of further abandonment when a household member is incarcerated.
Adapted from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Credit: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation