[Attachment and functioning of women with breast cancer].

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this work was to demonstrate the importance of attachment in the assessment of health and in life satisfaction of women with breast cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two groups were formed: study group (128 women with breast cancer) and control group (112 women without any psychiatric or serious somatic illness). The following questionnaires were used: Relationship Questionnaire, Physical Disposition Scale, Subjective Health Scale, The Satisfaction with Life Scale.

RESULTS

The following were revealed in women with breast cancer compared with controls: 1) insecure attachment was more frequent, 2) physical well-being and subjective health were statistically significantly at a lower level, 3) subjective health and life satisfaction were at the highest level in women with secure attachment, regardless of the presence or absence of breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The attachment style is important as regards subjective health and life satisfaction.