Hope in human attachment and spiritual connection

Using Karl Menninger's and Paul Pruyser's seminal writings, the author reviews the tradition of thought about hope at The Menninger Clinic and discusses the application of this tradition to patient education. From the perspective of contemporary attachment theory and research, he expands on Paul Pruyser's view of hope as based on an experience of benevolent connection. Such connection can be found-and disrupted-in attachment to God and in spirituality more broadly. The article concludes with commentary on the challenges clinicians face in making use of religion and spirituality as a resource for fostering hope.