Attachment Theory and Religiosity: A Summary of Empirical Research With Implications for Counseling Christian Clients

• Published in: Counseling and values Vol. 53; no. 2; pp. 112 - 125
• Main Authors: Reinert, Duane F., Edwards, Carla E., Hendrix, Rebecca R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2009; American Counseling Association; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Brill Academic Publishers, Inc
• Subjects: Attachment Behavior; Beliefs; Caregiver Child Relationship; Christianity; Christians; Counseling; Counseling Psychology; Counseling Techniques; Counselors; Ethics; Health aspects; Intervention; Parent Child Relationship; Psychological aspects; Psychology; Psychology and religion; Psychotherapy; Religion; Religious Factors; Spiritual Development; Spirituality; United States
• ISSN: 0160-7960; 2161-007X
• DOI: 10.1002/j.2161-007X.2009.tb00118.x

The authors summarize the growing body of empirical research literature in the area of psychology of religion that has been guided by attachment theory and indicate implications for counseling, including practical suggestions for case conceptualization, possible spiritual interventions, and ethical guidelines for practice. Attachment theory provides a fertile framework whereby counselors may conceptualize the religious experiences of Christian clients whose spirituality involves the belief in and relationship with a personal God.