The influence of attachment and emotional support in end-stage cancer.
The impact of attachment style and emotional support on negative affect in 67 end-stage cancer patients was examined via self-report inventory. Path analysis revealed high levels of both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were associated with lower levels of emotional support which, in turn, had a major adverse influence on patients' negative affect. In addition, attachment anxiety was also directly associated with distress. The discussion emphasises the importance of attachment theory and emotional support within the context of terminal cancer.
Hunter
Marcus J
MJ
Griffith University, P.O. Box 476, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Brisbane, Australia. marcusjhunter@optusnet.com.au
Davis
Penelope J
PJ
Tunstall
Jennifer R
JR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D009769:Object Attachment; D011788:Quality of Life; D011793:Queensland; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology*