Disorganized attachment, absorption, and new age spirituality: a mediational model.
In this paper, we present a theoretical model and an empirical review linking disorganized attachment with New Age spiritual beliefs and activities via a proposed mediator; the propensity to enter altered states of consciousness (absorption/dissociation). Utilizing a prospective longitudinal design (N = 62), an empirical test of the mediational model is also provided for illustrational purposes. More specifically, we tested if unresolved/disorganized (U/d) attachment scores, as identified via the Adult Attachment Interview at the first assessment point, predicted New Age spirituality 3 years later, and whether this link was mediated by absorption. Results supported the mediational model, although the bivariate relation between U/d attachment and New Age spirituality was of modest strength. The discussion focuses on the general implications, clinical as well as non-clinical, of the proposed model. Finally, we argue that time is now ripe for attachment researchers to address additional non-pathological sequelae of disorganized attachment and the related propensity to experience altered states of consciousness.
Granqvist
Pehr
P
Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. pehr.granqvist@psyk.uu.se
Fransson
Mari
M
Hagekull
Berit
B
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009769:Object Attachment; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D029181:Spirituality; D013548:Sweden; D055815:Young Adult