Adaptation to cancer from an attachment theoretical perspective

PhD ceremony: Ms. N. Holwerda, 11.00 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Adaptation to cancer from an attachment theoretical perspective

Promotor(s): prof. R. Sanderman, prof.dr. M.A.G. Sprangers

Faculty: Medical Sciences

The Attachment theory posits that early childhood experiences with caregivers are important in whether adult persons see themselves as worthy of love and care, and expect that others are available and willing to care for them when needed. This in turn is assumed to influence their response when they are confronted with a stressful event. Persons who experience difficulties in being close to others (‘insecurely attached’ persons), may be more vulnerable to feel distressed and uncomfortable than persons who feel secure within relationships (‘securely attached’ persons). In this thesis, we examine the role of adult attachment style within the process of adaptation to cancer. General tenets of the Attachment theory are introduced in the General Introduction of this thesis. In the chapters thereafter, we present our studies on several aspects of adaptation to cancer of insecurely and securely attached persons. In the final Chapter, our findings and implications for research as well as clinical practice are being summarized and discussed. Throughout the thesis we provide case vignettes to offer examples of how persons with different attachment styles may experience their illness situation.