Understanding Dismissive-Avoidant Attachment
Dismissive-avoidant attachment is one of the most misread patterns in adult relationships, so let's untangle the myths from the science.
- Mmele
- Bagolo
- Magareng
- Ya thuto
- dipotšišo tše 10
- metsotso e ka bago 5
- Tshwaelo ka morago ga potšišo ye nngwe le ye nngwe
Go phenkgišana
Bakeng sa bana le bohle ba ba ratago go bapala
Bona dipotšišo
Ntle le dikarabo tše di nepagetšego, gore di go makatše ge o bapala.
Potšišo 1
In the classic model, how does a dismissive avoidant tend to view themselves and others?
- Negative view of self, positive view of others
- Negative view of self and negative view of others
- Positive view of self, negative view of others
- Positive view of self and positive view of others
Potšišo 2
Lab studies measuring heart rate during talk of separation found dismissive avoidants were…
- Physiologically calm, matching their relaxed words
- Physiologically calm because they feel secure
- Calm because they are simply more introverted
- Physiologically aroused, despite seeming unbothered
Potšišo 3
Where does attachment theory originally come from?
- Studies of infants and their caregivers
- Studies of married couples in therapy
- Studies of adults after painful divorces
- Studies of patients with personality disorders
Potšišo 4
In Ainsworth's Strange Situation, how did 'avoidant' infants react when their caregiver returned?
- They showed no distress because they felt nothing
- They clung, then angrily pushed the caregiver away
- They looked away or ignored the caregiver
- They hid shyly because they were introverted
Potšišo 5
What childhood experience is most linked to developing avoidant attachment?
- A painful break-up in early adulthood
- Being harshly criticised for low achievement
- Being a naturally quiet, introverted child
- Caregivers who rebuffed bids for comfort
Potšišo 6
Sam's partner wants more closeness, so Sam starts working late. What is this most likely?
- Proof that Sam has fallen out of love
- A deactivating strategy to manage discomfort
- Lingering hurt from a past break-up
- Sam's introversion needing quiet time
Potšišo 7
How does dismissive avoidance differ from fearful avoidance?
- They are two names for the same style
- Dismissive is introversion; fearful is shyness
- Fearful avoidance only appears after trauma in adulthood
- Fearful types crave closeness yet fear it
Potšišo 8
Which pairing do researchers often find avoidant people ending up in?
- With a partner who is also avoidant
- With an anxiously attached partner
- With a partner who will chase until they change
- Never in long-term relationships at all
Potšišo 9
Can an adult with dismissive-avoidant attachment become more secure?
- Yes, through stable relationships or therapy
- No, attachment is fixed by about age five
- Only with medication for the disorder
- Only if a partner pressures them enough
Potšišo 10
Research suggests a dismissive avoidant's high self-esteem is often…
- Rooted in deep, genuine inner security
- Covering a self-image they truly see as worthless
- Irrelevant because they feel no emotions
- Defensive, and vulnerable under threat
