Center for Early Childhood Care and Education

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Browsing Center for Early Childhood Care and Education by Author "Bethel Mekonnen"

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    Perceived Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adult Attachment Among the Members of Zetseat Apostolic Reformation Church, Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa Universtiy, 2015-06-01) Bethel Mekonnen; Daniel Tefera(PhD)
    This study explores the perceived impact of childhood experiences—specifically caregiver antipathy, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse—on adult attachment styles among members of the Zetseat Apostolic Reformation Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Utilizing a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were collected from 210 adult participants using the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS) and the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire (CECA.Q). The findings revealed that insecure attachment was the most prevalent style collectively accounting for 62.4% of the sample (fearful 25.2%, dismissing 21.4%, and preoccupied 10.5%), while secure attachment comprised 37.6%. Statistically significant associations were found between insecure adult attachment styles and experiences of caregiver antipathy, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, with fearful attachment particularly linked to sexual abuse. In contrast, childhood neglect did not demonstrate a significant correlation with adult attachment styles in this sample. No significant gender and relationship status differences in attachment styles were observed. The findings reinforce attachment theory’s claim that early caregiving experiences, especially those involving emotional rejection or abuse, have enduring effects on adult relational patterns. The study highlights the need for trauma-informed pastoral care and emotional support within religious communities and calls for culturally sensitive approaches to understanding and addressing attachment-related issues in Ethiopia.