Interpersonal Bonding and Psychopathological Symptoms in Patients with Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health can be severely affected following a medical diagnosis, particularly in oncological diseases. This impact, together with interpersonal attachment factors, may predispose individuals to the development of psychopathological symptoms. Objective: To identify the relationship between interpersonal attachment and psychopathological symptomatology in patients with cervical cancer at the Regional Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (IREN). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, non-experimental, and descriptive-correlational study was conducted. The Test for the Evaluation and Assessment of Interpersonal Bonds in Adults (VINCULATEST) was used to assess types of interpersonal attachment, and the Brief Symptom Inventory (LSB-50) was applied to detect the presence of psychopathological symptoms. The sample consisted of 100 female outpatients diagnosed with cervical cancer. Results: A significant positive correlation of moderate magnitude was found between interpersonal attachment and psychopathological symptomatology (Rho = .561, p < .001). Anxious-depressive symptomatology predominated among the evaluated patients, who exhibited hostility toward their life situation. Higher levels of symptoms were identified in patients who were alone or accompanied only by their children. Conclusions: The findings suggest that interpersonal attachment and psychopathological symptomatology are significantly related, indicating that insecure attachment styles increase emotional vulnerability. These results highlight the need to integrate psychological care into oncological programs to promote patients’ emotional well-being and quality of life.