An Examination of Attachment to God, Individualism, Collectivism, and Differentiation of Self in Second-Generation Christian Korean Americans

Abstract

Constructs regarding attachment to God and differentiation of self (DoS) have a robust foundation in the literature; however, studies regarding other cultures, specifically, second-generation Christian Korean Americans (SGCKAs), are limited. This study examined attachment to God, individualism, collectivism, and DoS in SGCKAs. Secure attachment with God statistically significantly predicted DoS scores in SGCKAs, R2 = .087, F(1,143) = 13.704, p < .001. Statistically significant differences on horizontal/individualism scores when compared based on attachment to God categories also existed. Furthermore, statistically significant differences existed on DoS scores when compared based on secure/insecure attachment to God categories. Implications for the church, mental health professionals, counselor educators, and the Korean American community are discussed.

Integrating Psychological and Theological Perspectives on Multiculturalism, Social Justice, and Peace

“…Ethnic/Racial Specific Perspectives Related to MSJP Lee et al (2024), in An Examination of Attachment to God, Individualism, Collectivism, and Differentiation of Self in Second Generation Christian Korean Americans, provides a culturally embedded exploration of God attachment for second generation Korean Americans who identify as Christian. This is of unique importance as the highlighted population is often labeled the "lost generation" due to their unique challenges in constructing a self-identity.…”