Although more frequent and intense on infancy, the attachment system can be triggered across the lifespan, from "the cradle to the grave." In adulthood, whenever the individual's internal working model does not have enough resources to sustain his/her insecurity, one seeks support from an attachment figure. Illness may trigger the attachment system, obliging the individual to pursue the proximity of an attachment figure. In our research on how the doctor's attachment style affects the doctor-patient relationship (Barstad-Castro Neves, 2018), we assessed the doctor's attachment style and correlated with a semi-structured interview script. One of the categories highlighted in our research was how physicians cared for their patients. The present article aims to explore, expand, and clarify the category mentioned. It is essential to discuss how the car ing and concerning doctor acts towards his/her patient, and how the caregiving system, from the lens of attachment theory, has a function in that matter. Our research may contribute to the discussion of strategies to improve the doctor-patient relationship, therefore refining patient adherence and compliance to treatment. Besides, it can also shed light on how to give support to medical professionals, starting from medical school.
El sistema de cuidado en salud y la relación médico-paciente: responder a las necesidades del otro O sistema de cuidado e a relação médico-paciente: respondendo às necessidades do outro AbstractThe attachment theory states that human beings have in parallel an attachment system, an exploratory system and a caregiving system. The caregiving system is the counterpart of both the attachment and the exploratory systems. The caregiving system consists of providing safe haven to which the individual can go back when feeling threatened, and a secure base from which he/she can explore the environment. The caregiving system can also be experienced in the doctor-patient relationship. To be a care provider means to be available when one is most needed. Attachment patterns influence the doctor's relationships, affecting the adherence and the illness management. Taking care of his/her patients in times of need is equivalent to activate the doctor's own caregiving system to protect and secure the patient's health and wellbeing. An open and available doctor means a more open, present, secure and confident patient.
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