An individual with which of the following attachment styles may have difficulty developing intimate relationships?

The choice of avoidant attachment style is accurate because individuals with this type of attachment typically have a tendency to maintain emotional distance from others. They strive for independence and self-sufficiency, often feeling uncomfortable with intimacy and closeness in relationships. This can manifest in a reluctance to rely on others or share personal feelings, which may impede their ability to form deep and meaningful connections.

People with an avoidant attachment style often downplay the importance of relationships or may even view intimacy as a threat to their autonomy. Consequently, their struggles with vulnerability and expressing emotions can create barriers that make it challenging for them to develop the intimate relationships that require trust and openness.

In contrast, secure attachment allows individuals to comfortably engage with intimacy and rely on others, while anxious/ambivalent attachment often leads to a hyper-awareness of relationship dynamics and dependency issues, which may hinder but not completely prevent intimacy. Dependent attachment reflects a reliance on others for emotional support, which can also complicate relationship dynamics but does not inherently prevent intimacy like avoidant attachment does.