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01-06-2012 | Original Paper

Examining Attachment to God and Health Risk-Taking Behaviors in College Students

Authors: Karissa D. Horton, Christopher G. Ellison, Alexandra Loukas, Darcy L. Downey, Jennifer B. Barrett

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 2/2012

Abstract

Drawing on insights from attachment theory, this study examined whether three types of attachment to God—secure, avoidant, and anxious—were associated with health-risk behaviors, over and above the effects of religious attendance, peer support, and demographic covariates, in a sample of 328 undergraduate college students. Contrary to prior theory, secure attachment to God is not inversely associated with recent alcohol or marijuana use, or substance use prior to last sexual intercourse. Instead, avoidant and anxious attachment to God are associated with higher levels of drinking; anxious attachment to God is associated with marijuana use; and avoidant attachment to God is associated with substance use prior to last sexual intercourse. These patterns are gender-specific; problematic attachment to God is linked with negative outcomes solely among men.

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Title: Examining Attachment to God and Health Risk-Taking Behaviors in College Students
Authors: Karissa D. Horton
Christopher G. Ellison
Alexandra Loukas
Darcy L. Downey
Jennifer B. Barrett
Publication date: 01-06-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-010-9380-5

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Examining Attachment to God and Health Risk-Taking Behaviors in College Students

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