ATTACHMENT STYLE, PAIN, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that adults with an insecure vs. a secure attachment style are more likely to have worse pain, rate their life satisfaction lower, and have more depressive and anxious symptoms. This study examined linkages of attachment style with pain and well-being in persons with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: In-person interviews with 256 older adults (mean age = 64.3, SD = 9.26), with KOA assessed attachment style, knee pain, depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction. All data came from a larger study examining daily quality of life with KOA. RESULTS: Multiple regression analyses examined effects of pain and attachment style on depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction. We categorized attachment as secure (close or dependent) and insecure (anxious). Results indicated that both close and anxious attachment styles and knee pain significantly predicted anxiety, p