A Study on the Christian Educational Theory and Practice for the Ministry for Singles Aged 33-44: with a Focus on the Theories of Attachment and Self-Differentiation

This research investigates the causes of the increase of singles (unmarried adults) within the church and possible directions for the Christian education of these individuals. Focusing on the formation of intimacy (which normally occurs during adolescence) attachment types, psychological aspects of self-differentiation, relational aspects and aspects of emotional fusion were analyzed based on the attachment and self-differentiation of single males and females, ages 33-44. Singles’ experiences with their parents and God were analyzed for their effects on attachment and self-differentiation. In addition to analyzing the causes of delayed marriages, this research aims to discover if the basic causes lie in the attachment to their parents and self-differentiation. This researcher intends to present basic data and identify directions for Christian education, as the church is not currently providing concrete education programs for these singles.