Date

5-23-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Jeanne D. Brooks

Keywords

traumatic, resilience, attachment, posttraumatic, transformative

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

This interpretive phenomenological study explored the lived experience of Christians with a secure God attachment following traumatic events, examining the relationship between faith, resilience, and posttraumatic growth. Through in-depth interviews, this study examined how individuals made sense of their experiences through a Christian faith lens, focusing on the impact of God attachment on their internal working models (IWMs) of self and others. The results revealed key themes, including the exercise of faith, the importance of social support, the search for meaning, the transformative potential of God attachment, and the desire to minister to others. Participants described strengthened faith, reliance on community, a belief in divine purpose, and a closer relationship with God following trauma. The study suggests that secure God attachment, rather than simply compensating for or corresponding with human attachments, may represent a distinct, transformative relational experience with God, impacting self-perception and interpersonal relationships. Implications for professionals and future research directions are discussed.

Download

Share

COinS