Attachment and Spiritual Maturity 2
Abstract:
This study investigates the relationships between secure child and adult
attachment styles and their influence on spiritual maturity. A survey study of 216
seminary students was conducted using the Parental Bonding Instrument, Adult
Attachment Scale, and the Faith Maturity Index. Previous research in attachment
relationships suggests that early parental interactions generate internalized models of self
and others which are carried forward to new relationships. Secure adult attachment styles
were predicted to relate positively with spiritual maturity. Findings of the study suggest
that adult measures of secure attachment styles are correlated with Faith Maturity.
Measures of parental bonding evidenced minimal associations with Adult Attachment
Styles and were weaker correlates of Faith Maturity. Secure Adult Attachment was a
stronger predictor of Faith Maturity when compared to measures of Parental Bonding.
Implications are offered for religious training institutions, the church, and the community.
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