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Reconsidering a role for attachment in eating disorder management in the context of paediatric diabetes.

Author
Abstract
:

We suggest a reconsideration of the role of 'attachment orientation' in the context of eating disorders and paediatric diabetes. Attachment orientation is a psychological construct that describes a relatively stable set of expectations and behaviours an individual relies upon in managing relationships. There is considerable evidence of an association between attachment orientation and the development and maintenance of disordered eating in individuals without diabetes, though evidence is more scant in populations with diabetes. We discuss the underpinning theory and critically examine the existing literature for the relationship between attachment orientation and disordered eating in paediatric diabetes. Finally, we draw on adjacent literatures to highlight potential future directions for research should this area be revisited. Overall, we contextualise our discussion in terms of patient-centred, holistic care that addresses the mind and body (i.e., our discussion of attachment orientation assumes a psycho-biological approach).

Year of Publication
:
2021
Journal
:
Clinical child psychology and psychiatry
Volume
:
26
Issue
:
3
Number of Pages
:
669-681
ISSN Number
:
1359-1045
URL
:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1359104520986215?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed
DOI
:
10.1177/1359104520986215
Short Title
:
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry
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