Attachment and Cancer: A Conceptual Integration

Abstract

Cancer traditionally has been explained by the biomedical model; however, it is limited in comprehensively accounting for all factors in this disease. Recently, it has been suggested that a broader theoretical framework that includes psychosocial components in cancer is needed to complement the traditional approach. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to explore the utility of attachment theory as a biopsychosocial model of both development and health. Attachment, a developmental theory, explains how repeated interactions between caregiver and child in the early years establish lifelong psychosocial, physiological, affective, and cognitive patterns as well as enduring patterns of stress response to threat or illness. Despite attachment theory's biopsychosocial foundation, the application of attachment security as a factor in physical health and psychosomatic medicine is relatively recent. The current work reviews attachment theory and psychosocial literature with regard to cancer and follows with a novel attempt to conceptually integrate both bodies of literature. A concluding integrative model of attachment theory and the type C behavior pattern is provided to illustrate potential links and integrative processes that may lead to disease resilience or vulnerability.

Correlates of self‐rated attachment in patients with cancer and their caregivers: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Several studies have shown that the effect of insecure attachment on health‐related outcome is moderated by the perception of social support . This underlines the intertwined relationship between the concepts of social support and attachment that have been described in several theoretical papers examining the applicability of attachment theory to somatic health care . According to these researchers, the core function of the attachment system is to form strategies that serve the purpose of attracting attention when in need of support and soliciting care .…”

Psychodynamics in Medically Ill Patients

“…One example of this interest is Tacon's consideration of attachment theory in cancer patients, 29 particularly the relationship between "Type C" individuals (who are cooperative, overly patient, unassertive, and appeasing), 30 avoidant attachment, and the interaction of these factors on medical illness. Other authors have also commented on decreased immunological function and the association to loneliness, divorce, and bereavement.…”

Stress Exposure in Significant Relationships Is Associated with Lymph Node Status in Breast Cancer

“…Parental care may also have a role in determining vulnerability to disease, including cancer development and progression [10]. In fact, early stress experienced through attachment relations may sensitize the individual to potential stressors later in life [11], and determine how life events have an impact on cancer-related pathways.…”