Adult attachment and physical health
Affiliation of Author, Researcher, or Creator
Marlboro Institute of Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
Department
Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
Author(s)
Pietromonaco, P. R., & Beck, L. A.
Resource Type
Article
Publication, Publisher or Distributor
Current Opinion in Psychology
Publication Date
2019
Brief Description
This article examines how individual differences in adult attachment shape regulatory strategies and relationship behaviors, which in turn influence health-related responses, behaviors, and outcomes. We review links between attachment and physiological responses to stress (e.g., hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis responses, cardiovascular responses, immune responses), health behavior (e.g., substance use, diet), and downstream health and disease outcomes. Recent evidence suggests that attachment insecurity (attachment anxiety and/or attachment avoidance) is associated with dysregulated physiological responses to stress, risky health behaviors, susceptibility to physical illness, and poorer disease outcomes. These associations depend, in part, on the relationship context, including the other partner's attachment style and behavior. We suggest that a dyadic approach considering both partners’ attachment styles and behaviors will enhance interventions to promote health.
Keywords
close relationships, romantic relationships, adult attachment, physical health
Recommended Citation
Pietromonaco, P. R., & Beck, L. A. (2019). Adult attachment and physical health. Current Opinion in Psychology, 25, 115-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.04.004
Preferred Citation Style
APA
Peer Reviewed
1
License Agreement
1