God as an Attachment Figure: A Case Study of the God Attachment Language and God Concepts of Anxiously Attached Christian Youths in South Africa. Issue 4 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Counted, Victor
• Is Part Of: Journal of spirituality in mental health. Volume 18:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 316
• Page End: 346
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: African youth attachment -- God attachment language -- God concepts and metaphoric theology -- God experience -- God representation; Spiritual healing -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Religious aspects -- Christianity -- Periodicals; Pastoral care -- Periodicals; Pastoral counseling -- Periodicals; 253.505
• DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2016.1176757
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1934-9637

Abstract

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.