You Have Fear of Abandonment, Not Just LONELINESS

Discovering a fear of abandonment within yourself or a loved one can be a pivotal moment. We cover the origins of this fear, from childhood experiences to attachment styles.

We explore how it manifests in relationships, highlighting signs to watch for, such as seeking constant reassurance or feeling anxious when alone. Understanding the impact of affection deprivation and its role in shaping our attachment styles sheds light on our relational dynamics.

But fear not, for there's hope and support available. We discuss the role of therapy in identifying and addressing this fear, as well as practical tips for fostering secure and fulfilling relationships.

Join us on this journey of self-discovery and growth. Don't forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below and subscribe for more insightful content from Psych2Go.

Writer: Dylan Swanepoel
Editor: Caitlin McColl
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Voice Over: Drew Baillie
Animator: Dinda
Thumbnail Artist: Cerise
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

REFERENCES:

Wolchik, S.A., Tein, JY., Sandler, I.N. et al. Fear of Abandonment as a Mediator of the Relations Between Divorce Stressors and Mother–Child Relationship Quality and Children's Adjustment Problems. J Abnorm Child Psychol 30, 401–418 (2002). doi.org/10.1023/A:1015722109114
Ledgerwood, D.M. Suicide and Attachment: Fear of Abandonment and Isolation from a Developmental Perspective. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy 29, 65–73 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022909326217
Palihawadana V, Broadbear JH, Rao S. Reviewing the clinical significance of ‘fear of abandonment’ in borderline personality disorder. Australasian Psychiatry. 2019;27(1):60-63. doi:10.1177/1039856218810154
Schoenfelder, E. N., Sandler, I. N., Wolchik, S., & MacKinnon, D. (2011). Quality of social relationships and the development of depression in parentally-bereaved youth. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 40(1), 85-96. Retrieved from search.proquest.com/docview/821697890?accountid=1229
Wade, B. (1995, 04). Fear of abandonment. Essence, 25(79). Retrieved from search.proquest.com/docview/223174140?accountid=1229
Craig Fowler & Megan R. Dillow (2011) Attachment Dimensions and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Communication Research Reports, 28:1, 16-26, DOI: 10.1080/08824096.2010.518910
Stevens, F. L. (2014). Affect Regulation Styles in Avoidant and Anxious Attachment. Individual Differences Research, 12(3).
Kory Floyd (2014) Relational and Health Correlates of Affection Deprivation, Western Journal of Communication, 78:4, 383-403, DOI: