Understanding the need for attachment: the significance of “attachment styles” in patient care

Justyna Eugenia Koniczuk-Kleja; Małgorzata Filipińska

doi:10.5114/pm.2023.130058

eISSN: 2081-2833
ISSN: 2081-0016

Medycyna Paliatywna/Palliative Medicine

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1/2023
vol. 15

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abstract:

Review paper

Understanding the need for attachment: the significance of “attachment styles” in patient care

Justyna Eugenia Koniczuk-Kleja

¹

,

Małgorzata Filipińska

²

Klinika Leczenia Bólu i Opieki Paliatywnej, Uniwersytet Jagielloński Collegium Medicum, Kraków, Polska
Pracownia Badań nad Starzejącym się Społeczeństwem, Zakład Socjologii Medycyny, Katedra Epidemiologii i Medycyny Zapobiegawczej, Wydział Lekarski, Uniwersytet Jagielloński Collegium Medicum, Kraków, Polska

Medycyna Paliatywna 2023; 15(1): 1–6

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2023.130058

Online publish date: 2023/07/25

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The aim of the article was to present the main ideas of attachment theory in the context of life-threatening illness. We described the characteristic elements of distinguished attachment styles (secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized) including difficulties in communication between patients, family members, and health care practitioners. We based our work on literature on the subject: psychological studies on palliative care and experiences of work with terminally ill patients. Cited literature concerns attachment style components that are highly likely to influence physical and mental health in adults, general quality of life, and the quality of relationships between patients and medical specialists. Finally, we present recommendations based on the literature that may ameliorate the process of adaptation of patients and their families.

keywords:

Understanding the need for attachment: the significance of “attachment styles” in patient care

Justyna Eugenia Koniczuk-Kleja 1 , Małgorzata Filipińska 2

attachment theory, palliative care, doctor-patient relationship

Justyna Eugenia Koniczuk-Kleja

¹

,

Małgorzata Filipińska

²