Attention Seeking Behaviour

Some of us may have attention seeking behaviour ourselves or may see it in others we interact with. Attention seeking behaviour may comprise wanting to be the star or centre of attraction wherever you go, need to be noticed and recognized by people, not being ignored or neglected by anyone, wanting acknowledgement and appreciation from everyone, need to be praised, liked and wanted etc.

Attention seeking condition can be a result of past experiences and the current internal threats that the person is facing. Some individuals who have not had a caring, comforting and peaceful family life may display this tendency. People from dysfunctional homes, homes where they do not receive adequate love, concern, attention and affection can have this kind of personality.

This behaviour can also be a trick used to stand out from the crowd, make a statement about yourself through your body language and manners. People who are competing with each other, who are in show business, are very ambitious and ruthless in their approach to get success, who want to impress the higher ups, get them to notice him/her can have such tendencies.

Attention seeking may also be a result of the internal insecurities and vulnerabilities that a person has. A person who wants to be with the popular crowd, is scared of being ignored and neglected by everyone, a person who needs the acknowledgement and validation about self from others, cannot bear being disliked or avoided may make efforts to seek attention so that they are not left on their own and left out of the social circle.

Attention seeking may be because of your need for positive strokes, appreciation and acceptance by others. Sometimes it may also arise from confidence/over confidence. A person who is very confident, self assured, assertive, in a position of authority and power may have a manner that draws attention and compels people to have a look at him/her and take an interest. Such a person may not need attention, but may seek it just to enjoy the attention he/she gets.