<P> In attachment theory, there have been three attachment styles identified: 1) secure style - confidence in the availability of attachment figures during times of need 2) avoidant style - insecurity and lack of trust in the ability of others to care for one's needs 3) anxious - ambivalent style - view of others as being reluctant to get close to oneself . The research varies in explaining which type of attachment style yields the individual's particular relationship with God . For example, in one study, a secure relationship with one's parents will translate into a secure attachment to God, and vice versa . However, other research has showed that there is a compensatory effect, or the need of people to make up for something that is lacking . For instance, someone with an insecure attachment style with their parents may in turn, have a very secure, and confident relationship with God . </P> <P> The idea of being able to link people's religiousness (or lack thereof) with how their attachment with their caregivers was, seems to be a promising field of study . The obstacle that makes this seemingly simple idea very complicated is that the current data is so skewed . There are many studies that found there is a direct correspondence from attachment style with caregivers to God, and there are studies who have found more compensatory results . The inability of researchers to find a general consensus could be a hindrance towards future exploration in this field . </P> <P> Object relations theory's roots lie in children relating or associating different emotions with different people (objects). The children associate these emotions to the objects based on how they currently view the world around them . For example, kids will associate the emotion of something good with mother, and bad with something like criminals . In relating this with religious ideals, it seems natural that the same concept should apply . One's relationship with God should, in theory, be traced back to association . </P> <P> In this theory, it is hypothesized that the person ends up creating an idea of God according to what the individual needs, and how he or she perceives the world . This view of personality and religion does not focus on how each person differs trait wise, but it centers on the type of relationship the individual has with God . </P>

What are the spirituality and religious beliefs in personality development