The Relationship among Religiosity, Childhood Sexual Abuse, and God Attachment on the Development of Sexual Shame

Religiosity is a very important component to an individual’s overall wellness. Religiosity is typically formed early in life through family religious patterns and expectations. While religiosity may be a protective and healthy component of oneself, it is possible that religiosity may also contribute negatively and enhance maladaptive thoughts. Previous research has explored childhood family religiosity and current religiosity and their relationships with the development of sexual shame. This study aims at continuing to explore the relationship of childhood family religiosity and current religiosity and their relationship to the development of sexual shame. Additionally, childhood sexual abuse and a perceived relationship instability with God are also explored through their relationships on the development of religiosity and sexual shame. Results suggested several direct and indirect relationships. The analysis included a simple mediation model which explored the relationship of childhood family religiosity to sexual shame through current religiosity. Additionally, two moderated mediation models were used to analyze the relationship of childhood sexual abuse and a perceived relationship instability with God. Finally, implications are presented that inform how the results can be used as a clinician, counselor educator, and areas of future research