The Relationship Between Attachment to God and Psychological and Spiritual Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Shame and Guilt Among Indian Catholic Adults

Abstract

This study explored the mediating roles of shame and guilt in the relationship between attachment to God and psychological and spiritual well-being among 435 Indian Catholic adults aged 18 to 59. Mediation analyses revealed that shame and guilt partially mediated the effects of anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions on well-being. Anxious attachment was associated with increased shame and guilt, with shame negatively impacting wellbeing and guilt contributing positively. Avoidant attachment predicted higher shame and lower guilt, both of which influenced well-being in opposing ways. The findings highlight the negative impact of attachment insecurity to God on wellbeing, primarily through shame, while guilt supports psychological and spiritual growth. These insights have important implications for culturally sensitive counseling, pastoral care, vocational discernment, and seminary formation, emphasizing the need for fostering secure attachment to God and healthy emotional regulation.