For adults, attention-seeking behavior is a conscious or unconscious attempt to become the center of attention, sometimes to gain validation or admiration.

➖What it may look like?
Attention-seeking behavior can include saying or doing something with the goal of getting the attention of a person or a group of people.

Examples of this behavior include:
▪️fishing for compliments by pointing out achievements and seeking validation
▪️being controversial to provoke a reaction
▪️exaggerating and embellishing stories to gain praise or sympathy
▪️pretending to be unable to do something so someone will teach, help, or watch the attempt to do it

➖What can cause this behavior?
Attention-seeking behavior may be driven by:
▪️jealousy: Jealousy may come about when someone feels threatened by another person currently getting all the attention. This, in turn, can lead to attention-seeking behavior to change the focus.
▪️low self-esteem: When some people believe that they’re being overlooked, bringing back the lost attention is may feel like the only way to restore their balance. The attention that they get from this behavior may help provide them with the feeling of reassurance that they are worthy.
▪️loneliness: Loneliness can result in an urge to seek attention, even in people who don’t normally exhibit attention-seeking behavior.

Sometimes attention-seeking behavior is the result of cluster B personality disorders, such as:
▪️histrionic personality disorder: histrionic personality disorder is characterized by feeling underappreciated when not the center of attention.
▪️borderline personality disorder: Borderline personality disorder is a continuing pattern of instability in self-image, interpersonal relationships, emotion, and impulsivity.
▪️narcissistic personality disorder: Those with narcissistic personality disorder typically have a need for admiration with a lack of empathy.

➖What you can do about it?
If you notice this behavior is constantly recurring, it’s probably best for the person display the behavior to visit an experienced mental health professional. If left unchecked, attention-seeking behavior can often become manipulative or otherwise harmful.

Conclusion: Attention-seeking behavior may stem from jealousy, low self-esteem, loneliness, or as a result of a personality disorder. If you notice this behavior in you or someone else, a mental health professional can provide diagnosis and treatment options.