Attachment Styles and Spiritual Maturity: The Role of Secure Attachment in Predicting Spiritual Maturity Among Seminary Students

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