Avoidant, defended and dismissing patterns

Abstract

In normal populations, we might expect between 15 and 23 per cent of people to show avoidant-dismissing patterns of attachment. It is a pattern distinctive of those who feel anxious in the presence of strong feelings, either in themselves or in other people. As a result, there is a slight wariness and nervousness about entering close relationships — not that intimacy is not desired; instead, it is viewed with caution or even, in extreme cases, some incomprehension. So, at times when greater intimacy is expected, such as marriage or parenthood, dismissing adults may experience increased unease and discomfort, or increase their detachment. ‘Felt security’ is achieved by an overreliance on the self and an underreliance on other people.