Difficulty regulating emotions People who grew up without warmth and affection may also struggle with regulating their emotions. Without the support and guidance of caregivers, they may not have learned healthy coping strategies for dealing with stress and negative emotions. As a result, they may be prone to outbursts of anger, anxiety, or depression. Fear of abandonment: Individuals who did not receive warmth and affection in childhood may also have a deep-seated fear of abandonment. They may worry that others will leave them or reject them if they show vulnerability or neediness. This fear can lead to clingy behavior or a tendency to push others away before they have the chance to leave.
