Links between early attachment experiences and manifestations of spirituality

Abstract

This essay reviews recent research about infant attachment, then discusses the implications of this research as they relate to the following specific manifestations of children’s spirituality: faith, wonder, relational consciousness, flow (as in a sense of wholeness or unity), and compassion, in the light of other research on children’s spirituality. In each of these areas links can be found between the security of an infant’s attachment experiences and later manifestations of spirituality, although many gaps in relevant knowledge remain to be filled. The essay concludes that early attachment experiences are spiritually significant.

Keywords:

• infant
• attachment
• spirituality
• flow compassion