Using attachment theory to understand illness behavior

This article examines a model of illness as a stressor that activates an in dividual's characteristic attachment behaviors. These behaviors are the res ult of the attachment system, a mammalian trait that exists in order to max imize the odds of survival of an infant born without the necessary maturati on for immediate independence. Attachment concepts, such as attachment styl e, coherence, and reflective functioning, are briefly explained, followed b y examples of their application to the psychological management of patients with medical or surgical illness. Attachment theory provides a unique, sim ple, and pragmatically useful model for understanding the particular ways t hat individuals can feel and react when stressed by illness, and how the pr ofessional may help manage that distress. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. Al l rights reserved.