Attachment style and alliance in patients with diabetes and healthcare professionals

Morris, LE; Berry, K; Wearden, AJ; Jackson, N; Dornan, T; Davies, R

Abstract

Avoidant attachment has been found to impair attendance at appointments and treatment adherence of patients with diabetes, but the role of staff–patient relationships has not been explored. This study investigates whether attachment influences the quality of alliance between patients with diabetes and healthcare professionals. Patient avoidance was significantly associated with difficulties in therapeutic alliance. Further research is required to establish whether therapeutic alliance, underpinned by attachment, influences treatment adherence and to investigate ways of promoting collaboration.

Citation

Morris, L., Berry, K., Wearden, A., Jackson, N., Dornan, T., & Davies, R. (2009). Attachment style and alliance in patients with diabetes and healthcare professionals. Psychology, Health and Medicine, 14(5), 585-590. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548500903193838

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 20, 2009
• Online Publication Date: Oct 19, 2009
• Publication Date: Oct 19, 2009
• Deposit Date: Mar 15, 2019
• Journal: Psychology, Health & Medicine
• Print ISSN: 1354-8506
• Electronic ISSN: 1465-3966
• Publisher: Routledge
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 585-590
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13548500903193838
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/13548500903193838