Attachment style dimensions can affect prolonged grief risk in caregivers of terminally ill patients with cancer.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive role of attachment dimensions on the risk of prolonged grief. Sixty caregivers of 51 terminally ill patients with cancer who had been admitted in a hospice were selected. METHODS: Caregivers were interviewed using Attachment Scale Questionnaire, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Prolonged Grief Disorder 12 (PG-12). RESULTS: The consort caregivers showed higher PG-12 level compared to the sibling caregivers. Anxiety, depression, need for approval, and preoccupation with relationships levels were significantly correlated with PG-12 scores. CONCLUSION: Female gender, high levels of depression, and preoccupation with relationships significantly predicted higher levels of prolonged grief risk.