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Ruhiyah Attachment: Integrating Spirituality into Attachment Theory for Enhanced Child Development
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Abstract
Purpose – This article aims to introduce a new perspective in attachment theory called ruhiyah attachment. Ruhiyah attachment emphasizes the role of caregivers as mediators to connect children spiritually with Allah SWT, proposing this spiritual connection as a potential solution to the mental health crisis among teenagers.
Design/methods/approach – This paper employs a literature research methodology. The research involves (1) selecting the topic, (2) searching academic databases for relevant articles and journals, (3) collecting data from primary sources (articles and books on attachment theory) and secondary sources (application and implementation studies), (4) analyzing literature to identify patterns, themes, or differences across ten sources, (5) presenting findings, and (6) conducting a critical assessment of ruhiyah attachment as a new perspective in attachment studies.
Findings – The research presents ruhiyah attachment as a new perspective in child attachment studies. It emphasizes that spiritual attachment, facilitated by caregivers as mediators, is crucial for children's development. Ruhiyah attachment extends beyond the mother-child bond to include a spiritual connection with the Creator, potentially addressing mental health crises by fostering a strong spiritual foundation in children.
Research implications/limitations – This research broadens the discourse on child attachment studies. The literature review methodology allows a comprehensive examination of various perspectives in attachment research. Ruhiyah attachment offers a new viewpoint that may stimulate future studies. Limitations include the reliance on secondary sources and the need for empirical validation of the proposed perspective.
Practical implications – Ruhiyah attachment can enhance early childhood education and care by integrating spirituality into attachment theory. This perspective allows children to develop a direct spiritual connection with Allah SWT through their bond with caregivers, promoting long-term mental and spiritual well-being. It suggests that spiritual strength can help prevent mental health crises and encourage moral development.
Originality/value – This research introduces a spiritual dimension to child attachment studies, addressing the mental health crisis by proposing ruhiyah attachment as a novel perspective.
Paper type Literature review
Keywords:
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1. Introduction
The importance of attachment in child development is well-established, with profound implications for both individual well-being and societal health. The prevalence of mental health disorders among adolescents is alarming, with recent studies showing that around 5.5% of teenagers aged 10-17 years in Indonesia have been diagnosed with a mental disorder, with anxiety disorders being the most common(Canevska et al., 2019). Globally, Generation Z experiences significantly higher rates of depression compared to previous generations(University College London, 2022). These trends underscore the necessity of addressing the underlying factors contributing to poor mental health outcomes in this demographic. One critical factor identified is the quality of attachment between children and their primary caregivers, which significantly impacts emotional regulation, social competence, and overall mental health(Cassidy & Berlin, 1994)(Rothbaum et al., 2000).
Research on attachment theory, originally developed by John Bowlby, emphasizes the foundational role of early relationships in shaping a child's emotional and social development. Bowlby posited that the emotional bond between children and their caregivers is crucial for the child's sense of security and protection(Cassidy & Berlin, 1994). Consistent warmth, responsiveness, and sensitivity from the caregiver lead to secure attachment, while inconsistency and lack of sensitivity result in insecure attachment(Colonnesi et al., 2011)(Rodrigues et al., 2024). These attachment relationships form internal working models that influence how children perceive and interact with the world as they grow(Kahr, 2022). Sensitive parenting in early childhood has been shown to correlate positively with adaptive social-emotional regulation(Robledo et al., 2022).
The impact of inadequate attachment on psychological, emotional, and social development has been extensively documented. Insecure attachment is a significant predictor of depression and other mental health issues in children and adolescents(Smith et al., 2024). Poor attachment, often stemming from a lack of attention and emotional support, can lead to difficulties in managing emotions, increased anxiety, and challenges in social adaptation(Shimotomai, 2020)(Li, 2023). These children may exhibit behavioral issues such as aggression, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which further complicate their social interactions and self-esteem(Müller et al., 2022)(Armenta et al., 2011). The cumulative effect of these issues highlights the critical role of attachment in overall child development.
Attachment theory has been approached from various perspectives in the literature. The psychodynamic perspective, heavily influenced by Freud, emphasizes the mother's role in personality development(Smith et al., 2024)(Drake et al., 2014). The behavioral perspective, advanced by Bowlby and Ainsworth, focuses on the relationship between behavior and environmental stimuli, identifying patterns such as secure and insecure attachment through the "Strange Situation" experiments(Cortazar & Herreros, 2010)(Grube & Liming, 2018). The social perspective considers attachment as a product of social interactions and cultural influences, exploring how societal norms and values shape attachment behaviors(Gjerde, 2001)(Baer & Martinez, 2006).
In addition to these traditional perspectives, recent research has explored the potential for integrating attachment theory into broader frameworks of care. For instance, attachment principles have been applied in healthcare settings to provide a more humane and holistic approach to patient care(Rothbaum et al., 2000). Studies have also examined the role of attachment in educational environments, highlighting how secure attachments can enhance learning and academic achievement(Robledo et al., 2022)(Turgeon et al., 2023). Despite these advancements, there remains a lack of focus on the spiritual dimension of attachment, particularly how it relates to a child's connection to their Creator through their caregivers.
While the existing literature on attachment theory is extensive, it often neglects the spiritual dimension of attachment. Traditional approaches primarily focus on emotional and behavioral aspects, overlooking how spiritual connections fostered through caregiving can contribute to a child's overall development. This gap in the literature presents an opportunity to explore the concept of ruhiyah attachment, which integrates spiritual elements into the attachment framework. Addressing this gap is crucial, given the rising mental health issues among adolescents and the potential benefits of a holistic approach that includes spiritual well-being(Shimotomai, 2020)(Li, 2023)(Müller et al., 2022).
This study aims to introduce and analyze the concept of ruhiyah attachment, emphasizing the role of caregivers as mediators who connect children spiritually with Allah SWT. By incorporating a spiritual perspective into attachment theory, this research seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how attachment impacts mental health and overall well-being. The proposed ruhiyah attachment framework could offer new insights and practical strategies for addressing the mental health crisis among adolescents, promoting a more holistic approach to child development that includes emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. This integration has the potential to enrich existing attachment theory and contribute significantly to both academic discourse and practical applications in caregiving and mental health support.
2. Methods
This study employs a literature research methodology designed to systematically compile, analyze, and evaluate existing literature related to attachment theory. The primary objective of this methodology is to understand the latest developments in the field, identify research gaps, and establish a robust theoretical foundation. Initially, the research topic was identified, focusing on the significance of attachment in early childhood development. This scope includes a comprehensive review of the concepts and theories of attachment, primarily grounded in John Bowlby's foundational work and subsequent literature on the development and implementation of these theories.
The second phase involved a comprehensive literature search across multiple academic databases including Google Scholar,
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