Attachment and perceived stress in patients with ulcerative colitis, a case–control study

What is known on the subject?: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with high perceived psychological stress. The attachment theory provides a psychodynamic perspective to investigate the relationship between close interpersonal relationships and stress in UC. Researchers have hypothesized that the chronic illness might affect personality trait as the attachment style of patients. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: UC patients exhibit a more pronounced attachment insecurity that, in turn, resulted as a determinant of psychological stress. This study suggests that UC could determine a shift towards insecurity in the attachment style that, in turn, promotes psychological stress and increases the risk of psychopathologies. What are the implications for practice?: The more accurate knowledge of attachment insecurity in patients with chronic disorders such as UC may help the nurses to face with often dysfunctional patients’ styles of manifesting distress, patterns of help seeking and expectations of health professionals. The knowledge of psychopathological mechanisms in patients with UC could improve the prevention and treatment of psychological disorders in affected patients. Abstract: Introduction Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent intestinal symptoms. The attachment theory provides a psychodynamic perspective to investigate the relationship between interpersonal relationships and stress in UC. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the attachment dimensions between UC patients and controls and to evaluate the impact of these dimensions on perceived stress in patients. Method In all, 101 patients with UC completed the attachment style questionnaire and the perceived stress questionnaire (PSQ). Clinical and psychometric parameters were added as predictor variables in a regression with the PSQ score as dependent variable. One hundred and five healthy subjects took part in the study as controls. Results Compared to controls, UC patients exhibited greater scores in relationships as secondary, need for approval and preoccupation with relationships. In UC, disease activity, confidence and preoccupation with relationships resulted predictors of perceived stress. Discussion Compared to healthy controls, UC patients exhibited more pronounced attachment insecurity that, in turn, was a significant predictor of the perceived stress. Implications for practice The knowledge of attachment insecurity may help the nurses and all health care providers to face with dysfunctional patients’ styles of manifesting distress, help seeking and expectations of health professionals.