Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness
Published on: May 2, 2017
Attachment and chronic illness
Pamela Joy Meredith1, Jennifer Strong2
1School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, 4072, Australia; Occupational Therapy, Central Queensland University, 4701, Australia.
Abstract:
A small body of literature has considered associations between attachment theory and a range of chronic health conditions, with particular attention to mechanisms linking attachment insecurity and the development and management of these conditions. In this paper, two inceptive models are reviewed, followed by consideration of the emerging literature in this field, stimulated by emerging physiological and neurobiological evidence. Although implications for treatment are available, treatment protocols and outcome studies are rare. Further research is needed to develop a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the links between insecure attachment and chronic conditions with a view to developing and implementing treatment protocols. These emerging interventions must recognize the complex personal and social/physical environmental contexts within which chronic conditions manifest.
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Illness
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe...
Attachment
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
Concepts of Health and Illness
Dimensions of Health and Illness
Attachment Styles

