Persistent Insecurity
A chronic, pervasive sense of uncertainty about one's worth, place, or acceptance in relationships, social situations, or life. Distinct from situational anxiety, it reflects a deeper underlying pattern of self-doubt and vulnerability.
Quick answer
Persistent insecurity (ICD-10: R45.8; ICD-11: MB25) is a core feature of social anxiety disorder and insecure attachment, often rooted in early experience. CBT, schema therapy, and CFT have the strongest evidence. Reassurance-seeking behaviour maintains the insecurity cycle and is an important treatment target.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Constant worry about others' opinions or judgements
Difficulty trusting relationships or expecting rejection
Comparing oneself unfavourably to others habitually
Seeking repeated reassurance that is only briefly comforting
Avoidance of situations where judgement or comparison is anticipated
What is Persistent Insecurity?
A chronic, pervasive sense of uncertainty about one's worth, place, or acceptance in relationships, social situations, or life. Distinct from situational anxiety, it reflects a deeper underlying pattern of self-doubt and vulnerability.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Persistent Insecurity, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Cognitive patterns, emotional processing, and stress response.
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