Attachment and psychoneuroimmunology

Abstract

In this review, I outline how attachment experiences in adulthood are thought to be related to the immune system. After a brief primer on the two branches of the immune system, I describe a theoretical model that explains how adults' attachment orientation could influence various immune processes. I then review recent findings documenting novel associations between attachment orientation and measures of the immune system, including inflammatory processes and cellular immunity. I conclude with a discussion about future directions focused on how we can advance our understanding about the role of attachment in shaping immune processes in ways that could shape our health over the lifespan.