Journal of psychosomatic research
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Open-label placebo response - Does optimism matter? A secondary-analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
Open-label placebos (OLPs) have been found to elicit significant and clinical meaningful effects, but in comparison to deceptive placebo administration there is a lack of research regarding possible predictors. This study sets out to examine the effects of optimism and other personality-related variables on OLP responses. ⋯ Taken together, OLPs are effective, the underlying personality-related variables seem, however, to differ significantly from the deceptive placebo response. Therefore, the concept of "placebo responders" might depend on the route of placebo administration.
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Felt security in close relationships may affect individual adaptation responses to existential threat in severe illness. We examined the contribution of attachment security to demoralization, a state of existential distress involving perceived pointlessness and meaninglessness in advanced cancer. ⋯ Attachment security may protect from demoralization in advanced cancer. Its relative lack, particularly on the dimension of attachment anxiety, may limit adaptive capacities to deal with illness burden and to sustain morale and purpose in life. An understanding of individual differences in attachment needs can inform existential interventions for severely ill individuals.