Exploring God attachment and cultural dynamics

Early attachment experiences, God perception, and spiritual compensation among Chinese Christians

Bibliographic Data

ID19503846
AuthorsHonghong Xu (0000-0002-0476-6383, Peking University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Pages1-17
Publication date2026-06-16
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueMental Health Religion & Culture (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1367-4676 • E-ISSN: 1469-9737
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13674676.2025.2580399
OpenAlexW7164956559
LanguageEN
References cited14

This study explores how early attachment experiences and cultural values shape God attachment and perceptions among Chinese Christians. Drawing on Attachment Theory, the Compensation Hypothesis, and the Correspondence Hypothesis, thematic analysis was conducted on interviews with 11 participants. The analysis revealed a predominant narrative of spiritual compensation, wherein individuals with insecure attachments to authoritarian caregivers found a secure haven in God. However, the study also identified significant divergent pathways, including a clear correspondence model rooted in secure attachment, challenging a monolithic interpretation of spiritual development in this context. Furthermore, the findings illuminate several mechanisms – such as corrective community experiences and social learning – that catalyzed the transformation of participants’ God-images from a distant, authoritarian figure to a nurturing, loving presence. Findings highlight the intersection of filial piety, collectivism, and attachment patterns, expanding Attachment Theory into non-Western contexts. Implications for counselling, pastoral care, and cross-cultural psychology are discussed

Attachment theory · Authoritarianism · Narrative · Perception · Safe haven · Spirituality · Thematic analysis · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Forgiveness and Related Behaviors · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Tools

Open DOI