Application of attachment theory for psychological support in palliative medicine during the terminal phase

Gerontology
Yvonne Petersen, Lotte Koehler

Abstract

The situation leading to the death of a close relative is a unique and irrevocable experience of separation which evokes a state of emotional strain for the patient and the family. This situation therefore is an especially effective trigger of the so-called 'attachment system'. Attachment research in recent decades has shown that already in early infancy every person develops special attachment strategies activated in cases whenever a person cannot cope on its own with dangers. Only four such patterns of attachment have been specified, namely 'secure', 'insecure-avoidant', 'insecure-ambivalent/enmeshed' and 'disoriented/disorganized'. Since the dying are usually brought to the hospital by members of the family, the doctor responsible for treatment can perceive with unusual clarity the patterns of attachment within the family system, and can integrate such observation into her treatment strategy. This article suggests an attachment-informed therapy in the field of palliative medicine. It seems apparent that such approaches provided by the attachment theory for relief during the terminal phase are not only relevant in a palliative context but also applicable within the overall field of medicine and care-giving relating to termina...Continue Reading

References

Oct 1, 1993·Child Development·G Spangler, K E Grossmann
Dec 16, 1998·Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie·M Wensauer, K E Grossmann
Oct 30, 2004·Attachment & Human Development·Marsha KaitzEphraim Grossman
Feb 8, 2005·Child Development·Susan W ParkerUNKNOWN Bucharest Early Intervention Project Core Group
Mar 15, 2005·Attachment & Human Development·Phillip R Shaver, Mario Mikulincer

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Citations

Nov 14, 2008·Palliative & Supportive Care·Anna L JanssenSimon T Walker
Aug 15, 2014·Journal of Pain and Symptom Management·Kathryn A SmithLinda Ganzini
Dec 10, 2013·Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM·Cécile LoetzChristine Mauer
Feb 22, 2017·Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·Anna Milberg, Maria Friedrichsen
Aug 16, 2017·Journal of Health Psychology·Iwona Zaporowska-StachowiakKatarzyna Stachnik
Dec 20, 2014·Network Science·Per Block, Thomas Grund
Aug 1, 2018·Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing : JHPN : the Official Journal of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association·Elke Kunsmann-LeutigerJakob Johann Müller
Oct 15, 2019·Journal of Social Work in End-of-life & Palliative Care·Victoria L Cerone

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