The Role of Attachment in Predicting Spiritual Coping with a Loved One in Surgery

Research has examined the relationship between spiritual coping and adjustment and found that individuals employ spirituality in coping in various ways. However, the reasons that individuals choose certain strategies remains unclear. The current project examined whether spiritual coping mediates the relationship between attachment to God and adjustment for individuals (N = 155) waiting for a loved one undergoing inpatient surgery. Results from the present study indicated that attachment to God was differentially related to spiritual coping activities and styles. In turn, spiritual coping was associated with the adjustment to the surgery vigil. Data were analyzed through path analysis of models for each of the outcome variables (Religious Outcome, General Outcome, Stress-Related Growth, and General Health Questionnaire). Attachment to God was predictive of spiritual coping, which, in turn, was predictive of adjustment. Attachment to God provides a useful framework for understanding why individuals choose particular coping strategies.