Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of boy child attachment patterns on their midlife phase in Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Kasarani, Nairobi County. The research was informed by attachment theory. First the study sought to determine whether attachment patterns of boys during childhood were related to the events experienced by men during midlife phase. Secondly, the research explored the relationship between boy child attachment patterns and psychological distress in men during midlife. Thirdly, the research sought to establish whether the patterns of child attachment influenced emotional closeness in men during midlife phase. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research designs based on survey method. Purposive
sampling technique was used to sample 45 men from PCEA churches in Kasarani. Questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. SPSS software was used to clean, transform and synthesise systematically the raw data. The data was analysed and presented in figures, tables and charts. Furthermore, percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation were calculated. Findings were organised into themes according to the research questions and objectives. The study found that despite the majority of respondents being diagnosed with serious illnesses, they were satisfied with their health status. Falling in this category of satisfaction was the respondents energy levels and spirituality aspect. The second objective emphasised that respondents scored fairly in areas of relationship with partners, relationship with family, friendship and social life. Respondents generally had positive emotional experiences with their partners. It was documented that they were not afraid, they did not worry and rarely felt abandoned. Finally, respondents held the view that the main issues preventing them from experiencing ideal life were; first the majority were afraid of failing, second was money/finances and third was feeling overwhelmed. It was also documented that anxiety, financial support, age and parenting really prevented respondents from enjoying ideal life. Strategies that respondents of PCEA churches Kasarani deployed to manage midlife phase included; having clear plans, having something to work towards, both managing time better and forgiving themselves. In addition, the respondents highlighted that family time, God and counselling were some of essential things that made midlife phase comfortable. The study concluded that boy child attachment patterns influence midlife phase. The midlife phase is associated with events that
influence emotional experiences and a certain percentage of success during midlife depends on secure attachment. Securely attached men can adjust to life’s stressors without experiencing multiple psychological or physiological extremes.