Without realizing it, past history and emotional issues can trigger a character who seeks excessive attention. So, what are the characteristics of someone who craves validation?For example, you might know a friend who spends a lot of time on social media. They also constantly brag about themselves, as if seeking approval from others.
In children, this behavior may be manifested by frequent tantrums, falling to the floor and kicking their legs.
Over time, if this behavior occurs continuously and excessively, it tends to make people around you feel uncomfortable.
What is ‘validation-hungry’ behavior?
Quoted from Very Well Mind , thirst for validation or attention-seeking behavior is a desire for constant attention driven by feelings of low self-esteem, jealousy, loneliness, or certain mental conditions.In situations like this, attention-seeking behavior can seem extreme or excessive. Furthermore, persistent attention-seeking behavior can be manipulative or passive-aggressive, making others feel uncomfortable.
In some cases, severe validation cravings (especially if caused by mental health issues or personality disorders) can interfere with social interactions as well.
Characteristics of someone who is thirsty for validation
Validation-seeking or attention-seeking behavior can manifest in many forms. Sometimes it’s obvious, such as making confrontational comments.
Conversely, this trait can also appear implicitly, such as when someone constantly wants praise.
Here are examples of characteristics of someone who is thirsty for validation:
- Being overly dramatic and emotional for no apparent reason
- Making controversial or offensive statements to provoke conflict.
- Often put yourself down in order to gain validation from others
- Often makes vague posts that either attract praise or spark debate on social media.
- Constantly bragging about oneself, possessions, or personal accomplishments.
- Dressing or behaving provocatively in inappropriate situations.
- Lying or exaggerating a story to make it sound more interesting.
- Feeling annoyed or jealous when not being the center of attention in a conversation.
- Ignoring other people’s boundaries just to get a reaction.
- Shouting, destroying things, even committing violent acts to attract other people’s attention.
Causes of attention seeking behavior
There are several reasons why someone may crave validation and constantly seek attention from others. Here’s a look at them:
1. Lack of self-confidence
Some people may constantly seek validation because they have issues with their self-confidence.
“Some people may feel that validation from others can increase their self-worth. When internal self-esteem seems to be failing, that’s when people may turn to seeking validation,” said US psychiatrist Timothy Jeider, as quoted by Psych Central .
2. Childhood trauma
Childhood trauma, including neglect or abuse, can be linked to attention-seeking behavior in adulthood.
Growing up feeling insecure, unloved, and uncertain can lead to chronic feelings of low self-esteem, depression, and anger, and can contribute to aggressive behavior.
According to Jeider, childhood plays a big role in determining whether someone will seek more attention as an adult.
“Successfully navigating the childhood developmental process usually provides a strong sense of self-worth and self-worth in the future,” Jeider said.
When a child feels secure, they develop a sense of self-worth. Ultimately, they become confident in their own internal validation and less likely to need external validation because they value and accept themselves.
Some children may face difficult experiences that can lead to low self-esteem or insecurity. Later in life, they may struggle to validate themselves.
Such children have the potential to constantly seek approval and exhibit people -pleasing behavior.
3. Loneliness
Other conditions that can trigger attention-seeking behavior include loneliness or jealousy. For example, people experiencing increasing loneliness or social anxiety may seek validation through social media.
4. Complex emotional disorders
Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) can cause a variety of distressing symptoms.
These include sudden mood swings, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, and aggressiveness. These conditions are often considered attention-seeking behavior.
5. Stres
When in a violent or desperate situation, a person may do whatever it takes to survive.
This includes seeking attention and recognition from those around them, so that they feel safe and calm.
When to seek professional help?
If someone displays persistent attention-seeking behavior, especially if it interferes with social relationships with other people, it is best to immediately consult a psychologist or psychiatrist.
From the results of the examination, signs of this behavior will be known, the underlying cause will be identified, and appropriate treatment will be found.
If you are worried that your child is behaving in a way that is considered attention-seeking, you should also contact a pediatrician.
How to deal with validation-hungry behavior
Treatment for attention-seeking behavior can depend on the underlying cause. For example, if a personality disorder is the cause, psychotherapy may be an effective treatment option.
Psychotherapy can help a person better understand their condition and symptoms, understand the impact of their behavior on others, and learn coping strategies or ways to deal with problems in a healthy way.
According to the UK’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children , children who exhibit attention-seeking behaviors require further assessment. They may actually be struggling to communicate their true needs.
That explains the characteristics of someone who craves validation. Make sure not to delay consulting a professional if necessary, Mom.
