:: COMPARE ::
The short answer
Both are insecure responses to the same underlying uncertainty, but they cope in opposite directions. Anxious attachment amplifies bids for closeness under stress; avoidant attachment suppresses them and retreats into self-reliance.
Side by side
| Aspect | Anxious attachment | Avoidant attachment |
|---|---|---|
| Under stress | Seeks closeness | Withdraws |
| Core fear | Being abandoned | Being engulfed |
| Strategy | Pursue, reassure | Distance, self-soothe |
| Shared root | Insecurity | Insecurity |
What each one means
Anxious attachment is an insecure attachment pattern marked by a strong desire for closeness combined with a fear of abandonment — so reassurance, when it comes, rarely fully settles the worry.
Full definition of Anxious Attachment →Avoidant attachment is an insecure attachment pattern in which a person keeps emotional distance and prizes self-reliance — downplaying their need for closeness rather than reaching for comfort when stressed.
Full definition of Avoidant Attachment →