Question 11

Adults who score low on attachment-related avoidance measures but high on attachment-related anxiety measures are more susceptible to jealousy in relationships.

Individuals exhibiting low attachment-related avoidance alongside high attachment-related anxiety tend to display greater feelings of jealousy in relationships due to their heightened sensitivity to perceived threats to their emotional connections.

A) Adults who score low on both attachment-related anxiety and attachment-related avoidance measures

This option is incorrect as individuals scoring low on both measures generally possess a secure attachment style. Securely attached individuals are less likely to experience jealousy since they tend to have confidence in their relationships and do not fear abandonment or emotional disconnection.

B) Adults who score high on both attachment-related avoidance and attachment-related anxiety measures

While this option describes individuals with a fearful-avoidant attachment style, they may not necessarily be more susceptible to jealousy. Their avoidance can lead to emotional detachment, which often reduces the intensity of jealousy compared to those who are anxiously attached.

C) Adults who score low on attachment-related avoidance measures but high on attachment-related anxiety measures

This is the correct answer. Individuals who are low in avoidance but high in anxiety are typically more preoccupied with their relationships and fear losing their partner, making them more prone to feelings of jealousy as they constantly seek reassurance and fear abandonment.

D) Adults who score high on attachment-related avoidance measures but low on attachment-related anxiety measures

This option is incorrect. Individuals with a high level of avoidance and low anxiety are likely to distance themselves emotionally and may not be as affected by jealousy, as their avoidance leads them to minimize emotional investment in relationships.

Conclusion

The correct answer highlights that adults who are low in avoidance but high in anxiety are particularly vulnerable to jealousy due to their emotional sensitivity and fear of abandonment. In contrast, the other options describe attachment styles that either promote security or emotional detachment, which typically mitigate jealousy. Understanding these attachment styles is crucial for addressing jealousy in relationships effectively.