Which attachment style is characterized by a high level of dependence on partners for emotional support?

The correct answer is characterized by a high level of dependence on partners for emotional support, which aligns with the features of anxious attachment. Individuals with this attachment style often seek high levels of closeness and approval from their partners, which can lead to feelings of anxiety when they perceive that their partner may not be providing the support or attention they desire. This dependency indicates a lack of self-reliance in emotional regulation, resulting in heightened sensitivity to potential rejection or abandonment.

In secure attachment, individuals generally have a healthy balance between dependence and independence, feeling comfortable with intimacy and also able to maintain their sense of self. Fearful attachment, while also involving anxiety, is marked by a reluctance to seek out closeness due to fears of being hurt, leading to avoidance despite wanting connection. Dismissive attachment, on the other hand, is characterized by a strong sense of independence and a resistance to relying on others for emotional support, as these individuals often minimize the importance of close relationships.

Therefore, anxious attachment distinctly showcases a reliance on partners for emotional support coupled with heightened emotional sensitivity, making it the most fitting choice for the question.