Attachment Styles of Specialist Physicians and Relationship between Attachment Styles and Specialization

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the attachment styles of specialist physicians and to examine the differences in attachment styles according to their specialty and whether they are placed in their first preference in the medical specialty exam (TUS). Method: A total of 92 physicians were included in the study. Individual information collection forms and the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ) were administered to all participants. Participants were asked about their gender, their specialization field, and whether their current specialization field was their first choice in the Medical Specialization Exam (TUS). Specialization fields were divided into 4 groups: surgical specialties, internal medicine specialties, basic medical sciences, and family medicine specialization. Results: Among all participants, 14.1% exhibited secure attachment, 57.6% displayed fearful attachment, 32.6% demonstrated preoccupied attachment, and 3.3% had dismissive attachment. There was no significant difference in attachment styles based on the participants' genders. There was no significant difference in attachment styles based on whether they entered their first choice in the Medical Specialization Exam (TUS). There was no significant difference in attachment styles based on the specialization fields in which the participants received their education. Conclusion: Among expert physicians, anxious attachment was the most common attachment style. Although there was no statistically significant difference in attachment styles based on physicians' specialization fields, family medicine and internal medicine practitioners exhibited a higher rate of secure attachment compared to those in the basic medical and surgical sciences. Determination of other possible motivational factors as well as attachment styles could provide guidance and insight to the physician in this choice that will affect her/his whole life