مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - An Overview to Aging Period in Terms of Attachment Theory

Abstract :

Aging period is a chronological, biological, psychological and social process which cannot be avoided. Due to the expansion of overall life expectancy, elderly population has increased. Thus, elderliness has become social reality for many countries in recent years. Attachments which can be defined as a strong emotional bond with a specific person during life span have been studied by researches for many years. Although John Bowlby conceptualized attachment theory as applicable to the life span, researchers have just started to study the attachment theory specifically among the elderly. Attachment theory proposes that attachment patterns developed in the first stage of life are carried forward throughout the life course via internal working model. In this article, first of all, attachment theory is mentioned shortly and it is illustrated that attachment remains a key feature of relationships through life cycle. Then, recent theoretical contributions and research findings highlighting the persistence of attachment issues such as adaptation to chronic illness and relationships between a caregiver and care-recipient, reactions to the death of loved one and general well being associated with aging are evaluated together.