Ambivalent, dependent and preoccupied patterns

Abstract

Between 8 and 12 per cent of people in normal populations might expect to be classified as ambivalent-preoccupied. However, as with all three insecure groups, the proportions increase rapidly as researchers switch their attention to children and adults living in higher-risk psychosocial environments. When caregiving styles associated with this pattern also include maltreatment and severe neglect, we find a high number of children with problem behaviours.