A review of the evidence linking adult attachment theory and chronic pain: Presenting a conceptual model

Meredith, P., Ownsworth, T. and Strong, J. (2008) A review of the evidence linking adult attachment theory and chronic pain: Presenting a conceptual model. Clinical Psychology Review, 28 3: 407-429.


Author Meredith, P.
Ownsworth, T.
Strong, J.
Title A review of the evidence linking adult attachment theory and chronic pain: Presenting a conceptual model
Journal name Clinical Psychology Review  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2008-03
Sub-type Review of research - research literature review (NOT book review
Year available 2007
DOI 10.1016/j.cpr.2007.07.009
Volume number 28
Issue number 3
ISSN 0272-7358
Start page 407
End page 429
Total pages 23
Editor Dr. Alan S. Bellack
Michel Hersen
Place of publication United Kingdom
Publisher Pergamon
Collection year 2008
Language eng
Subject 321024 Rehabilitation and Therapy - Occupational and Physical
730303 Occupational, speech and physiotherapy
C1
Abstract It is now well established that pain is a multidimensional phenomenon, affected by a gamut of psychosocial and biological variables. According to diathesis–stress models of chronic pain, some individuals are more vulnerable to developing disability following acute pain because they possess particular psychosocial vulnerabilities which interact with physical pathology to impact negatively upon outcome. Attachment theory, a theory of social and personality development, has been proposed as a comprehensive developmental model of pain, implicating individual adult attachment pattern in the ontogenesis and maintenance of chronic pain. The present paper reviews and critically appraises studies which link adult attachment theory with chronic pain. Together, these papers offer support for the role of insecure attachment as a diathesis (or vulnerability) for problematic adjustment to pain. The Attachment-Diathesis Model of Chronic Pain developed from this body of literature, combines adult attachment theory with the diathesis–stress approach to chronic pain. The evidence presented in this review, and the associated model, advances our understanding of the developmental origins of chronic pain conditions, with potential application in guiding early pain intervention and prevention efforts, as well as tailoring interventions to suit specific patient needs.
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code

 
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Created: Tue, 11 Mar 2008, 13:07:16 EST