Date

5-22-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Laura L. Rolen

Keywords

Attachment, Attachment Theory, Attachment- figure, God, Males, Christian Men, Attachment Styles, Spirituality, Religion, Image of God, God Concept, Attachment to God, Developmental Psychology, Attachment in Childhood, Attachment in Adolescence, Attachment in Adults, Christianity, Attachment Criteria, Internal Working Models, Secure Attachment, Parent-Child Attachment, Infant Attachment, Continuity in Attachment Style, Change in Attachment Styles, Attachment Behavioral System, Qualitative Research, Phenomenology, Attachment Bonds, Surrogate Attachment Figures

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to describe the lived experience of attachment to God in Christian men, how men obtained a secure attachment, and what it means to their life. Attachment Theory explains the importance of attachment bonds formed in infancy between the parent and child. Surrogate attachment figures have gained support in studies, indicating mental representation in attachment to God can assist in developing secure attachment style. The participants consisted of 12 Christian males, ages 21 to 57, active in their faith, and experienced an attachment to God. Using a qualitative, phenomenological design, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results indicated themes that described the participant’s experiences and view of God as attachment figure: father figure, close, protector, comforter, and affectionate. The results indicated themes that described the participant’s experiences in forming a secure attachment to God: distressful life experiences, avoiding or distancing from God, seeking reassurance in life circumstances, understanding life experiences, open to new change and growth, open toward developing secure relationships, expanding their faith and trust in God, connecting and remaining close to God, and forming Christian attitudes and behaviors. The results indicated themes that described the participant’s relationship experiences and their God and parent attachment: secure attachment with one parent, absent or lack of a parental figure, other attachment figures, misunderstanding concept of God, and spiritual or religious guide. The findings describe the meaning in participant’s lived experiences with God as an attachment figure, experiences with forming secure God attachment, and their parent attachment. Implications, limitations, and future recommendations are discussed.

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