To attach or detach: Examining and treating attachment issues in the lives of women religious

Abstract

Attachment theory has been used by clinicians to help conceptualize interpersonal difficulties in both children and adults. Adult attachment theory has grown as an area of research and used in clinical settings to help individuals understand the way they relate to others in both positive and maladaptive ways. This dissertation seeks to explore ways that adult attachment theory can be used to conceptualize and treat attachment patterns of women religious in the context of their supernatural vocation as a spouse of Jesus Christ and in their community life. Observations, recommendations, cautions, and case examples are provided to help clinicians better serve and understand this specific population. Furthermore, this dissertation will argue for the need to thoroughly integrate psychology, philosophy, and theology, because when treating religious women, these three disciplines become inseparable. Keywords: attachment theory, religious sister, religious life, community, formator, superior, virtues, friendship