Relationship of attachment styles and fear of intimacy with rejection sensitivity in women with breast cancer

Introduction: The quality of relationships, especially the rejection sensitivity of women with breast cancer, is of paramount importance. The present study sought to assess the relationship of attachment styles and fear of intimacy with rejection sensitivity in women with breast cancer in Sari. Methods: This study was conducted based on a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population included all women with breast cancer referring to the medical centers of Sari. A total of ۱۰۰ patients were selected via targeted sampling. These participants completed the fear-of-intimacy scale, interpersonal sensitivity scale, and experiences in close relationship scale. The data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test and multiple regression. Results: As evidenced by the obtained results, fear of intimacy and anxious attachment style demonstrated a positive and significant correlation with rejection sensitivity in women with breast cancer (P<۰.۰۰۱). There was no significant relationship between avoidant attachment style and rejection sensitivity (P>۰.۰۰۱). Moreover, the variables of fear of intimacy and anxious attachment style predicted rejection sensitivity (P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: Considering the importance of the role of fear of intimacy and attachment styles in the rejection sensitivity of women with breast cancer, it is suggested that health professionals use the findings of this research in designing effective psychological interventions for this group of patients.

کلیدواژه ها:

Attachment styles ، Breast cancer ، Fear of intimacy ، Rejection sensitivity