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Childhood Trauma and Experience in Close Relationships Are Associated with the God Image: Does Religiosity Make a Difference?

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  • Alice Kosarkova

    (Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech)

  • Klara Malinakova

    (Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech)

  • Jitse P. van Dijk

    (Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech
    Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
    Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia)

  • Peter Tavel

    (Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech)

Abstract

Religiosity and spirituality (R/S) and some of their specific aspects are associated with health. A negatively perceived relationship with God, which has adverse health outcomes, can be formed by human attachment both in childhood and adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess the associations of childhood trauma (CT) and experience in close relationships (ECR) with the God image in a secular environment by religiosity. A national representative sample of Czech adults (n = 1800, 51.1 ± 17.2 years; 43.5% men) participated in a survey. We measured CT (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), ECR (Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Questionnaire), image of God (questions from the 2005 Baylor Survey) and religiosity. Our results showed associations of CT and ECR with God images. Respondents who experienced CT were less likely to describe God as loving, always present and forgiving. Religious respondents were less likely to report positive God images with odds ratios (ORs) from 0.78 (0.66–0.94) to 0.95 (0.91–0.99), nonreligious respondents reported negative God images with ORs from 1.03 (1.00–1.06) to 1.22 (1.08–1.37). We found CT and problems in close relationships in adulthood are associated with a less positive God image, especially in nonreligious people. Understanding these associations may help prevent detrimental health outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Alice Kosarkova & Klara Malinakova & Jitse P. van Dijk & Peter Tavel, 2020. "Childhood Trauma and Experience in Close Relationships Are Associated with the God Image: Does Religiosity Make a Difference?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:23:p:8841-:d:452666
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Klara Malinakova & Peter Tavel & Zdenek Meier & Jitse P. van Dijk & Sijmen A. Reijneveld, 2020. "Religiosity and Mental Health: A Contribution to Understanding the Heterogeneity of Research Findings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-11, January.
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