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

• Published in: Clinical child psychology and psychiatry Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 669 - 681
• Main Authors: Oldham-Cooper, Rosie, Semple, Claire, Wilkinson, Laura L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.07.2021; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Attachment disorders; Child & adolescent psychiatry; Diabetes; Diabetics; Eating disorders; Holistic approach; Mind and body; Patient-centered care; Patients; Pediatrics; paediatric diabetes; attachment orientation; clinical psychology; type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes; Eating disorders
• ISSN: 1359-1045; 1461-7021
• DOI: 10.1177/1359104520986215

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).