Relational Spirituality: An Attachment-Based Model of Spiritual Development and Psychological Well-Being

Although religion and spirituality typically incorporate significant affective and relational components, only recently have these components been examined both systematically and empirically. In the present study, the expanding literature on attachment was explored to create a theoretical model that emphasizes principles from "relational spirituality" (Hall, 2004), proposing that attachment variables positively predict both spiritual and psychological outcomes and that spiritual outcomes, in turn, positively predict psychological outcomes. The present model also suggests that spiritual engagement variables moderate these relationships. Results based on structural equation modeling provided evidence that our model demonstrated good fit. Additionally, some of the aforementioned relationships were strengthened in those who were more spiritually engaged, while at times attachment appeared to be a more robust predictor for those who were less spiritually engaged. These results are discussed along with encouragement and implications for further research.