Perceived Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adult Attachment Among the Members of Zetseat Apostolic Reformation Church, Addis Ababa
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Date
2015-06-01
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Addis Ababa Universtiy
Abstract
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.