This book emphasizes interpersonal relationships as a frequently overlooked yet crucial
element in today's healthcare system and describes the utility of attachment theory in
understanding and managing patients with medical and surgical illness. Sections on the
fundamentals of attachment theory specific patient populations attachment-based interventions
and future directions comprehensively reflect our current knowledge. The summarized research
demonstrates the value of attachment theory in approaching such common issues as non-adherence
strain in the healthcare worker-patient relationship and somatoform complaints as well as in
modelling maladaptive stress responses and subsequent illness vulnerability. The contributing
authors are internationally recognized researchers and teachers who have sought to make this
volume accessible to anyone interested in using the positive aspects of interpersonal
relationships to maximum advantage in the practice of healthcare.
