Date
11-13-2025
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Natalie Hamrick
Keywords
childhood trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, spirituality, SICPT, ACEs, post-traumatic growth, spiritual growth
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Duckworth, Erica M., "Divine Intervention: The Effects of Repairing Attachment Insecurities with God on PTSD Symptomology in Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7580.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7580
Abstract
Childhood trauma occurs when an individual under the age of 18 survives a perceived life-threatening event. To circumvent future danger, numerous developmental changes occur in response to fear, manifesting in a multitude of symptoms. A culmination of symptoms results in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a debilitating condition that arises from the hypervigilance of the brain and body to environmental stimuli. A recurring state of fear can lead to isolation, negatively affecting social interactions. Expectations of relationships, also known as attachment styles, reflect the bonds created between a child and a parent or caregiver. The quality of this foundational relationship can be generalized to God as a divine parental figure also negatively affecting spirituality. Research has indicated that high levels of self-reported spiritual strength are associated with increased feelings of safety and resilience; however, spirituality is seldom included in the treatment of PTSD. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a leading therapeutic treatment for PTSD, while Spiritually Integrated Cognitive Processing Therapy (SICPT) incorporates traditional CPT and components of faith. This quasi-experimental pilot study included a sample of six adult survivors of childhood trauma who completed the 12-session manualized SICPT program. Continuous and pre- and post-intervention data analyzed by Friedman’s test found statistically significant improvements in PTSD symptomology and attachment security to God, with a trend for improvement in spirituality. The results of this study indicate that SICPT is an effective treatment in addressing PTSD and attachment security to God in adult survivors of childhood trauma.
