Description

The Experience in Close Relationship Scale – Short Form (ECR-S) is a shortened version of the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR), developed to assess individuals’ attachment styles in close relationships. The ECR-S consists of 12 items, with 6 items measuring attachment anxiety and 6 items measuring attachment avoidance. This tool is based on attachment theory and provides a reliable and valid method for measuring the core dimensions of attachment in a concise and accurate manner.

Objective

The primary objective of the ECR-S is to offer a brief, yet reliable and valid instrument for assessing attachment styles in close relationships. The ECR-S is particularly useful in research settings and clinical practices where time is limited or when a short assessment tool is required. The information gathered can be used to understand how attachment styles influence relationship quality, mental health, and interpersonal behavior.

Analysis

Data analysis for the ECR-S includes the use of statistical methods to evaluate the tool’s reliability and validity. Reliability is typically assessed using Cronbach’s alpha to ensure internal consistency among the items. Factor analysis is used to confirm the scale’s structure and ensure that the items adequately represent the two dimensions of attachment anxiety and avoidance. Additionally, correlation analysis may be conducted to examine the relationship between ECR-S scores and other psychological and social variables, such as relationship satisfaction, mental health, and social support.

Scoring

Scoring for the ECR-S is conducted using a 7-point Likert scale, where participants rate each item from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Total scores are calculated separately for attachment anxiety and avoidance by summing the scores of the 6 relevant items in each subscale.

Higher scores on the attachment anxiety subscale indicate greater concern about rejection and abandonment.

Higher scores on the attachment avoidance subscale suggest a greater tendency to avoid emotional closeness and dependence on others.

References

Wei, M., Russell, D. W., Mallinckrodt, B., & Vogel, D. L. (2007). The Experiences in Close Relationship Scale (ECR)-Short Form: Reliability, validity, and factor structure. Journal of Personality Assessment, 88(2), 187–204.
Fraley, R. C., Waller, N. G., & Brennan, K. A. (2000). An item response theory analysis of self-report measures of adult attachment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(2), 350–365.
Brennan, K. A., Clark, C. L., & Shaver, P. R. (1998). Self-report measurement of adult attachment: An integrative overview. In J. A. Simpson & W. S. Rholes (Eds.), Attachment Theory and Close Relationships (pp. 46–76). The Guilford Press.
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in Adulthood: Structure, Dynamics, and Change. The Guilford Press.
Shaver, P. R., & Mikulincer, M. (2002). Attachment-related psychodynamics. Attachment & Human Development, 4(2), 133–161.