God as an attachment figure : a case study of the God attachment language and God concepts of anxiously attached Christian youths in South Africa

Victor Counted

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study examines the role of the Christian God as an attachment figure, using the attachment language criteria of a strong and enduring affectionate bond. Respondents were 15 anxiously attached Christian youths, purposefully selected for in-depth interviews to explore their God attachment language and God concepts. The results show how the respondents saw God as a target for their proximity-seeking behaviors, albeit conflicted in their relationship experience. They also used some form of metaphorical theology that represented God to them as either stronger or wiser, as a safe haven for security, or as a response to their internal conflict.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)316-346
Number of pages31
JournalJournal of Spirituality in Mental Health
Volume18
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • Christian youth
  • God
  • South Africa
  • attachment behavior
  • spirituality

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