Brief Description

The Relationships Questionnaire includes four general self-descriptions that correspond to the four adult attachment styles (secure, preoccupied, dismissing-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant) in close or romantic relationships. Participants respond in two ways: first, by selecting the description that best reflects them, and second, by rating the extent to which each description applies to them on a scale from 1 to 7.

Purpose

The questionnaire aims to assess adult attachment styles according to the four-category model, which includes secure, preoccupied, dismissing-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant attachment.

Scoring Method

The first form of assessment is the participant’s selection of the one attachment description that best represents them. The second assessment involves rating all four descriptions on a seven-point scale (1 = not at all, 7 = very much). The resulting scores are compared to determine the dominant attachment style.

Validity

The fearful and dismissing attachment dimensions have been shown to be statistically associated with the avoidance dimension of the Experiences in Close Relationships – Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire. Additionally, both fearfulness and avoidance are linked to high levels of negative affect and difficulty in forming close emotional bonds.

Reliability

No specific reliability coefficients are reported for this scale in the provided excerpt.

Data Analysis and Use

The data may be used for both research and clinical purposes. The dual-response format allows for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of attachment style. Mean scores for each attachment type can be used in comparative population studies as well as in diagnostic and counseling contexts.

References

Bartholomew, K., & Horowitz, L. (1991). Attachment styles among young adults: A test of a four-category model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61, 226–244.
Kafetsios, K. (2005). Attachment, emotion, and interpersonal relationships. Athens: Dardanos.
Tsagarakis, M., Kafetsios, K., & Stalikas, A. (2007). Factor structure, validity, and reliability of the Greek version of the Revised Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR-R) measure of adult attachment. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 23(1), 47–55.