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Insecure attachment style is associated with chronic widespread pain
K A Davies1, G J Macfarlane, J McBeth
1Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) Epidemiology Unit, School of Epidemiology and Health Sciences, Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK Aberdeen Pain Research Collaboration (Epidemiology Group), Department of Public Health, University of Aberdeen, School of Medicine, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK Division of Psychiatry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK Department of Psychiatry, Rawnsley Building, The University of Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
Individuals with insecure attachment styles are more likely to experience chronic widespread pain. Attachment style influences pain sites and disability, suggesting targeted support may help manage pain.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pain Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Inconsistent findings link adult attachment styles to pain perception.
- Insecure attachment styles (preoccupied, dismissing, fearful) may correlate with increased pain experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between adult attachment styles and chronic widespread pain (CWP).
- To determine if individuals with CWP are more likely to report insecure attachment compared to pain-free individuals.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study on a large population-based sample (2509 participants).
- Self-rated assessment of adult attachment style (secure vs. insecure).
- Pain questionnaire categorizing participants into pain-free, CWP, or other pain groups.
Main Results:
- Individuals with CWP were significantly more likely to report preoccupied, dismissing, or fearful attachment styles than pain-free individuals.
- Insecure attachment was associated with a higher number of pain sites and greater pain-related disability in CWP patients.
- No significant association was found between insecure attachment and pain intensity.
Conclusions:
- Adult attachment style is a significant factor associated with chronic widespread pain.
- Attachment-based interventions, including support and education, may help reduce distress and disability in CWP patients.
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