From Familiy to Divine Ties: The Relationship Between Family Belonging and Attachment to God

Abstract

A sense of belonging is when an individual feels part of a community or a group and feels connected to that group. Many factors can cause a sense of belonging and may differ from person to person. One of the sources of a sense of belonging is family belonging. People generally feel a sense of belonging to the family they were born into and their family ties. This belonging plays an important role in shaping an individual’s identity, values, and beliefs. Commitment to family and the adoption of religious and spiritual values in the family can strengthen one’s connection to God. Shared religious practices among family members can help a person find a community that supports their beliefs. This, in turn, can strengthen and deepen the connection to God. The primary purpose of this study is to reveal the nature of the relationship between family belonging and attachment to God in young adults. The study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing a relational survey design. The study sample consisted of 329 young adults studying at Kastamonu University, including faculties in education, theology, humanities and social sciences, communication, and engineering. “Family Belonging Scale” developed by Mavili, Kesen, and Daşbaş, the “Attachment to God Scale” developed by Beck and McDonald (2004) and adapted to Turkish culture by Subaşı were used as data collection tools. According to the study results, increased family belongingness increases individuals’ secure attachment to God. This reveals that strong family ties encourage individuals to perceive God as a source of trust. Higher levels of family belongingness indicate that individuals develop a less anxious attachment to God. Similarly, increased family belongingness decreases individuals’ emotional distance from God, and they develop a less avoidant attachment style.