Abstract

Although more frequent and intense on infancy the attachment system can be triggered across the lifespan from the cradle to the grave In adulthood whenever the individual s internal working model does not have enough resources to sustain his her insecurity one seeks support from an attachment figure Illness may trigger the attachment system obliging the individual to pursue the proximity of an attachment figure In our research on how the doctor s attachment style affects the doctor-patient relationship Barstad-Castro Neves 2018 we assessed the doctor s attachment style and correlated with a semi-structured interview script One of the categories highlighted in our research was how physicians cared for their patients The present article aims to explore expand and clarify the category mentioned It is essential to discuss how the car ing and concerning doctor acts towards his her patient and how the caregiving system from the lens of attachment theory has a functio n in that matter Our research may contribute to the discussion of strategies to improve the doctor-patient relationship therefore refining patient adherence and compliance to treatment Besides it can also shed light on how to give support to medical professionals starting from medical school