Relationship of general adult attachment and physician-patient attachment with experience and expression of anger among chronic pain patients

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study:

General adult attachment and patient physician attachment along with experience and expression of anger were studied in chronic pain patients. Patients (N=62) from four chiropractic offices were asked to complete surveys that included a demographics page, the Attachment Style Questionnaire, the Physician Attachment Scale, the State-Trait Anger Inventory-2, the Relationship Questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21, and a Visual Analogue Scales.

Findings and Conclusions:

Among chronic pain patients insecure attachment with people in general and alienation from their physicians was associated with chronic anger and anger suppression. Secure attachment with people in general and trust and connection with their physicians was associated with less anger suppression. In addition, secure attachment to others in general was associated with more effort to control anger out among chronic pain patients, whereas avoidant attachment with others in general was associated with less anger control out. General adult attachment was a significant predictor of chronic anger, anger suppression, and anger control out. Physician-patient attachment was a significant predictor of chronic anger and anger suppression. After controlling for general adult attachment, physician-patient attachment contributed meaningfully in explaining anger suppression, but not chronic anger or anger control-out.