Attachment behaviours and parent fixation in people with dementia : the role of cognitive functioning and pre-morbid attachment style.

Browne, C. J. and Shlosberg, E. (2005) Attachment behaviours and parent fixation in people with dementia : the role of cognitive functioning and pre-morbid attachment style. Aging and Mental Health, 9 (2). pp. 153-161. ISSN 1360-7863

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Abstract

This study replicates and extends exploratory research into the occurrence of attachment behaviours and parent fixation amongst people with dementia. Relationships between cognitive functioning, pre-morbid attachment style, attachment behaviours and parent fixation were examined. Fifty-three people with dementia, living in residential or nursing homes, completed the Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination and were interviewed about their parents. A family member or friend rated pre-morbid attachment style and care staff made observations of attachment behaviour. Results indicated that parent fixation occurred more often in participants with lower levels of cognitive functioning. Parent fixation was not related to pre-morbid attachment style. The occurrence of overt attachment behaviour was inconsistently associated with both high and low levels of cognitive functioning, at different times of the day. Participants with an avoidant attachment style exhibited more overt attachment behaviour than participants with a secure attachment style. Findings are interpreted in terms of attachment theory and the clinical and research implications of the study are discussed.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Aging and Mental Health
Additional Information:
PG Intake 2000
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2900/2909
Subjects:
?? gerontologygeriatrics and gerontologypsychiatry and mental healthphychiatric mental healthbf psychology ??
ID Code:
33787
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
05 Jul 2010 12:55
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 11:01