
People with insecure affective attachment are more likely to be socially anxious | Early negative social experiences, such as humiliation or rejection, may also reinforce anxious responses. | AI News Digest
A recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships reveals a significant link between insecure affective attachment and social anxiety. Individuals with insecure attachment styles, characterized by fear of rejection or discomfort with closeness, are more prone to experience social anxiety, particularly during adolescence. The study analyzed 42 papers involving over 21,000 participants, confirming that early negative social experiences, such as humiliation, can exacerbate anxious responses. The findings highlight the importance of understanding attachment patterns in addressing social anxiety, which can severely impact personal and professional relationships. Researchers emphasize the need for further exploration of these associations across diverse populations.