Evaluation of the relationship between the attachment styles and psychological resilience of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Cancer is considered a traumatic event that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Significant changes are taking place in the life, body image, lifestyle and social life of the individual diagnosed with cancer. Therefore, they are faced with a psychological and physiological difficult process. In the researches, it was found that the attachment styles that individuals will experience in their lifelong relationships are one of the important predictors of psychological resilience. The aim of our study is to examine the relationship between psychological resilience and adult attachment styles among cancer patient individuals receiving chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 391 volunteer patients receiving chemotherapy were included from Dr. A.Y. Ankara Oncology Research and Training Hospital and Ankara Güven Hospital in the study. The inventories used in the data collection phase of the study are Relationship Scales Questionnaire, Resilience Scale for Adults and a personal information form that is produced by researcher. Datasare analyzed with SPSS 23.00. Results: In our results, 285 (73%) of the patients were female and the median age was 53 (20-83). The median endurance score was 130 (49-165). The patients were divided into median values to be less resistant and resistant. The age, gender, marital status, working status, educational status, economic status, who they experienced, who they grew up with, their social support, trust in chemotherapy and dominant attachment styles were compared with univariate analysis. there were four style of attachments; secure, avoidant, fearful, preoccupied. Secure attachment was at half of patients (n = 191,48.8%) while avoidant attachment was at 159 (40.6%) patients. The other attachment styles were seen significantly less. As a result of multivariate analysis, the patient's social support is moderate or bad; lack of confidence in chemotherapy, the presence of avoidant or fearful attachment was found to be independent negative factors affecting the resilience of the patient. Conclusions: Avoidant and fearful attachment have a significant negative impact on the resilience of the patients receiving chemotherapy. Legal entity responsible for the study: Fatma Bugdayci Basal. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.