Attachment Needs of Adolescent Daughters of Women with Cancer

Abstract

Adolescent daughters of women who are ill have been identified in several studies as the most distressed of all children with an ill parent. Bowlby's attachment theory holds that dependency is a healthy adaptive response at times of significant stress. Although peer support is important during adolescence, research supports the notion that parents play a vital role in helping adolescents at risk. Attachment may be particularly important for girls. Attachment theory, in a context of female psychological development, suggests dyadic or family focused intervention strategies as well as peer support for adolescent daughters of women with cancer.