Spécificité de l’attachement dans le vieillissement ou vieillissement de l’attachement ?

Abstract

ObjectivesThe attachment theory in the area of gerontology offers a new and relevant paradigm for the clinical understanding of the elderly and their style of relationship. Old age can sometimes make subjects more vulnerable physically as well as psychologically, while ageing people tend to be more dependent on others. This article hypothesises that attachment in the ageing process has specific features. MethodThis paper shows the first results from a recent study assessing attachment among people aged 65 and over. The approach is based on the attachment paradigm (Edicode protocol), and implemented semi-structured interviews. Two examples selected from 20 cases encountered are presented to illustrate two specific attachment styles. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed and analysed following the Edicode method, with double scoring. Respondents also completed different scales under supervision by the researcher: an attachment scale (Relationship Scales Questionnaire), a general health scale (Nottingham Health Profile) and an anxiety and depression scale (HADS). ResultsThe results for the two examples used in this article show the interest of taking into account the different forms of enunciation of the narrative, as well as the way subjective, often painful experiences are told. The narrative enables an assessment of how far the elderly subject is able to cope with various age-related losses, and how they express their emotions about these losses. We observed a link between the level of representation of losses and the attachment style. DiscussionGiven the numbers of people with detached attachment style in old age compared to attachment in the general population, we can hypothesise that attachment during ageing has particular features. Elderly people may try to fight off collapse and depression by a detached attachment style helping them to endure losses and waning relationships. ConclusionThe past attachment style does not always explain the current attachment style, and the detached style can be seen as a final attempt to escape. Caregivers should be aware that dependent persons may fear relationships because they generate anxiety.