Scale Description

The Measure of Attachment Qualities (MAQ-14) is a brief psychometric scale designed to assess attachment qualities in adults. It consists of 14 items that examine four dimensions of attachment: Secure Attachment, Avoidant Attachment, Anxious/Preoccupied Attachment, and Worrying Attachment. Participants are asked to rate each statement using a Likert scale, ranging from “Very True” to “Not at All True.”

Data Analysis and Use

Data analysis for the MAQ-14 involves recording scores for each of the four attachment dimensions. These scores are used to examine individuals’ attachment characteristics and how they affect interpersonal relationships, mental health, and adaptation in various contexts. This tool is particularly useful in research focusing on attachment and emotional regulation in adults.

Objective

The objective of the MAQ-14 is to provide a reliable and valid tool for measuring attachment qualities in adults. This allows researchers and clinical psychologists to better understand the emotional and interpersonal effects of attachment qualities and to examine how these relate to mental health and well-being.

Calibration

Calibration of the MAQ-14 is conducted by analyzing data from representative samples of the adult population. This process involves assessing the scale’s internal consistency and reliability, as well as validating the measurements by comparing them with other related attachment scales.

Bibliography

Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. Basic Books.

Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation. Erlbaum.

Bartholomew, K., & Horowitz, L. M. (1991). “Attachment styles among young adults: A test of a four-category model.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61(2), 226-244.

Collins, N. L., & Feeney, J. A. (2000). “A safe haven: An attachment theory perspective on support seeking and support giving in intimate relationships.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(6), 1053-1073.

Shaver, P. R., & Mikulincer, M. (2002). Attachment Theory and Research: Core Concepts, Contemporary Themes, and Future Directions. Guilford Press.