Which of the following describes the three adult attachment styles?

The correct answer identifies the three recognized adult attachment styles: secure, avoidant, and anxious/ambivalent.

A secure attachment style is characterized by a healthy balance of intimacy and independence, where individuals feel comfortable relying on others and having others rely on them. They tend to have positive views of themselves and their partners, fostering stable and trusting relationships.

The avoidant attachment style, on the other hand, is marked by a reluctance to depend on others and a tendency to maintain emotional distance. People with this style may struggle with intimacy and often prioritize self-sufficiency over close relationships.

Anxious/ambivalent attachment is characterized by heightened levels of anxiety about relationships and a fear of abandonment. Individuals with this style may exhibit clinginess and a preoccupation with their partner’s commitments, often leading to turbulent and unstable relationships.

The combination of these three styles provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how different patterns of attachment influence adult relationships and personal interactions, which is essential in the study of human growth and development.