Parental attachment styles, religiousness, and deconversion processes in adolescence

Abstract

ABSTRACT Previous studies have demonstrated links between parental attachment styles and increased religiousness or conversion. However, few studies have focused on how parental attachment may influence departure from religion. This study examined the relationships between parental attachment characteristics and adolescent deconversion. The moderating role of parental religiousness was also examined. Participants were 536 high school students aged between 14 and 18 (M = 16.31, SD = 1.22). The results showed that anxious and avoidant attachment styles were positively related to deconversion, whereas secure attachment was negatively related to deconversion. These relationships were moderated by parental religiousness. In those who have highly religious parents, the secure attachment was negatively related, whereas anxious and avoidant attachment was positively related to deconversion. Our findings confirm that parental attachment characteristics and religiousness are essential for understanding the process of religious deconversion in adolescents.