People who feel insecure about their relationships and attachments to others may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular problems than those who feel secure in their relationships, according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association.

Researchers examined data on 5,645 adults age 18 to 60. Participants rated themselves on three attachment styles – secure, avoidant, and anxious – and answered questions on their health including whether or not they had a history of arthritis, chronic back or neck problems, frequent or severe headaches, other forms of chronic pain, seasonal allergies, stroke and heart attack. They also disclosed whether a doctor had told them they had heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes or high blood sugar, ulcers, epilepsy, seizures or cancer.

They found that individuals with anxious attachment, who worry about rejection, feel needy and find others are reluctant to get close them – were at a higher risk of chronic pain, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure and ulcers.

In addition, people who rated themselves as avoidant and had difficulty getting close to and trusting others were more likely to have conditions defined by pain, such as frequent or severe headaches.

"The findings raise the possibility that interventions aimed at improving attachment security could also have positive health outcomes," said lead researcher Lachlan McWilliams, Ph.D.