Show Hope Book Club: Attachments
Attachments
“Attachments: Why You Love, Feel, and Act the Way You Do” explores how early attachment experiences shape the ways in which people form and maintain relationships throughout life. The authors, Dr. Tim Clinton and Dr. Gary Sibcy, believe the quality of one’s bonds with childhood caregivers influences emotional patterns, behavior, and relational stability as adults. Drawing from psychological principles paired with insights grounded in the Christian faith, “Attachments” outlines four primary bonding styles; explains how attachment impacts love, grief, anxiety, and anger; and shows how secure attachments—including a secure connection with God—can bring healing and healthier relationships in marriage, parenting, friendships, and faith. It’s geared toward anyone seeking deeper connection and understanding of relational behavior, and at Show Hope, we believe parents and caregivers whose children have been impacted by early loss and trauma will greatly benefit from the book’s insight and wisdom.
Discussion Questions
- How do the authors define attachment and why do they argue it’s so central to understanding behavior and emotion in relationships?
- What are the four primary bonding or attachment styles described in the book? How do you see these styles reflected in your relationships, particularly with your children?
- In what ways do early childhood relationships with caregivers affect adult relationships? What might hold you back from embracing what the authors share?
- How does attachment theory help explain common struggles like anxiety, anger, grief, or fear of intimacy? How are you able to relate to any of these connections?
- What practices or perspectives do the authors suggest for moving toward more secure attachments? Which ideas did you find most helpful or challenging?
- How does the book integrate our shared Christian faith into understanding and healing attachment issues?
- After reading, what changes or insights would you want to explore in your own relationships—with your spouse, children, other family, or even friends?
Join us next month in reading “Wounded Children, Healing Homes.”
