LE3 .A278 2011

2011

McWilliams, Lachlan

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Clinical Psychology

Psychology

An interpersonally based model of chronic pain suggests that attachment may explain individuals‟ preferences for pain-related support and care seeking behaviour. The present study examined the mutual relationships between partners‟ attachment characteristics, pain-related support preferences, and pain-related support provision among romantic couples. A university and community sample (N = 129) completed measures of adult attachment dimensions (anxiety and avoidance) and measures of pain support preferences and provision of support. Regression analyses based on the actor-partner interdependence model revealed that attachment was associated with pain support preferences, pain support provision, and estimates of pain support preferences. Additional research using observational and longitudinal methods of data collection and research in a chronic pain sample is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms by which attachment relates to support seeking, support giving and pain-related outcomes over time. Using Attachment Theory

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:207