@ifsixwasnine here's a more detailed post on attachment styles:
Summary of Prevalence Estimates:
| Attachment Style | Gen Z White Women | Gen X White Women |
|---|
| Anxious-Preoccupied | 40-50% | 25-30% |
| Dismissive-Avoidant | 15-20% | 20-25% |
| Secure | 20-25% | 35-40% |
| Fearful-Avoidant | 10-15% | 10% |
Why This Shift?
The
prevalence of anxious-preoccupied attachment in Gen Z white women has surged due to a combination of factors, including the constant comparison triggered by social media, the instability of modern relationships, and the pressure of hypergamous ideals. The dating landscape for Gen Z is characterized by
short-term, casual relationships and the prioritization of status and appearance, which fuels insecurity and the need for validation. As a result, anxious attachment has become much more common among this generation.
Meanwhile,
dismissive-avoidant attachment is concentrated among specific groups, such as
women in technical, intellectual, or socially isolated fields who tend to avoid emotional vulnerability and prioritize independence. While DA attachment has always existed in some form, its prevalence has shifted, with Gen X women focusing on independence during the rise of the feminist movement, and Gen Z women navigating a more fragmented and competitive dating world that discourages emotional closeness for some.
The
decline in secure attachment among Gen Z is driven by the overall instability and unpredictability of modern relationships, as well as the impact of social media on self-esteem and relationship expectations.
Attachment Styles Among Gen Z Women of All Ethnicities
| Attachment Style | White | East Asian | South Asian | MENA | Hispanic | African American | Overall |
|---|
| Anxious-Preoccupied | 40-50% | 10-15% | 15-20% | 15-20% | 30-40% | 35-45% | 30-40% |
| Dismissive-Avoidant | 15-20% | 40-50% | 20-25% | 25-30% | 15-20% | 10-15% | 20-25% |
| Secure | 20-25% | 15-20% | 30-35% | 30-35% | 20-25% | 20-25% | 20-25% |
| Fearful-Avoidant | 10-15% | 10-15% | 5-10% | 5-10% | 10-15% | 10-15% | 10-15% |
