Work

Cancer Patients’ Attachment Styles in the First Year After Diagnosis: The Impact of Perceived Stress and Emotion Regulation Skills

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: This study aimed to determine the magnitude of perceived stress among cancer patients in the first year of diagnosis and to reveal the effects of stress levels and emotion regulation skills on attachment styles. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 200 patients enrolled in a medical oncology outpatient clinic in the first year of cancer diagnosis. Attachment styles were determined using the Adult Attachment Style Scale. Stress levels and emotion regulation skills were assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Emotion Regulation Skills Questionnaire (ERSQ). The participants were questioned about their cohabitant status and caregiver preferences. Results: < .05). Conclusion: Our findings support the idea that stress levels and emotion regulation affect attachment styles. Awareness of attachment theory and the effects of different forms of insecure attachment on patients is essential to improving their ability to better understand and meet their support needs.

Source: Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology

DOI: 10.5152/pcp.2025.24948

Authors: Gözde Bacık Yaman, Erkan Kayıkçıoğlu, Çiçek Hocaoğlu

Institutions: Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University

Language: English

Topic: Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $590