Which statement accurately describes the behavior of the dismissive-avoidant attachment style?

• A. Avoid closeness; independence
• B. Comfort with closeness; trust
• C. Fear of abandonment; clinginess
• D. Desires closeness; ambivalence

Answer: (A)

Dismissive-avoidant attachment is defined by a strong preference for independence and emotional distance in relationships. People with this style tend to minimize the importance of closeness, keep partners at arm’s length, and rely on themselves rather than others. So the statement that describes avoiding closeness and valuing independence best captures how this pattern typically manifests.

In contrast, comfort with closeness and trust aligns with a secure attachment style; fear of abandonment and clinginess aligns with anxious attachment; and wanting closeness but feeling ambivalent points toward fearful-avoidant or related mixed patterns.