Title

Relational Spirituality: An Attachment-Based Model of Spiritual Development and Psychological Well-Being.

School/Department

Rosemead School of Psychology

Publication Date

5-2017

Abstract

Although religion and spirituality typically incorporate significant affective and relational components, only recently have these components been examined both systematically and empirically. In the present study, the expanding literature on attachment was explored to create a theoretical model that emphasizes principles from 'relational spirituality' (Hall, 2004), proposing that attachment variables positively predict both spiritual and psychological outcomes and that spiritual outcomes, in turn, positively predict psychological outcomes. The present model also suggests that spiritual engagement variables moderate these relationships. Results based on structural equation modeling provided evidence that our model demonstrated good fit. Additionally, some of the aforementioned relationships were strengthened in those who were more spiritually engaged, while at times attachment appeared to be a more robust predictor for those who were less spiritually engaged. These results are discussed along with encouragement and implications for further research.

Keywords

Attachment behavior;

Publication Title

Psychology of Religion and Spirituality

Volume

9

Issue

2

First Page

197

Last Page

208

DOI of Published Version

10.1037/rel0000100

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS