Description

The Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (ECR-36) is a psychometric tool developed to assess individuals’ attachment tendencies in close relationships. The ECR-36 is a widely used scale based on attachment theories, aiming to measure two main dimensions of attachment: attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance.
The scale consists of 36 statements, which participants rate on a 7-point Likert scale, from 1 (Strongly disagree) to 7 (Strongly agree). Eighteen of the statements relate to attachment anxiety, while the remaining 18 relate to attachment avoidance. High scores on attachment anxiety are associated with fear of rejection and the need for reassurance, while high scores on attachment avoidance are related to a need to avoid intimacy and maintain independence.

Data Analysis and Use

For analyzing the data collected through the ECR-36, statistical techniques such as factor analysis and reliability analysis are often employed. Factor analysis helps identify the key dimensions (or factors) of attachment represented in the data, confirming or refuting the theoretical constructs of the tool. Reliability analysis, usually with the use of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, assesses the internal consistency of the subscales.
Additionally, the ECR-36 scale can be used to examine relationships between attachment and other psychological variables, such as self-esteem, depression, interpersonal relationships, and quality of life. The given scores can be used in statistical analyses to study group differences, for example with analysis of variance (ANOVA), or to study predictive relationships with regression analysis.

Objective

The primary objective of using the ECR-36 is to assess attachment patterns in individuals to better understand the dynamics that affect interpersonal relationships. The results from the ECR-36 can be used in both clinical practice and research to provide insights that will lead to better interventions and treatments for individuals with problematic attachment.

Calibration

Calibration of the ECR-36 involves creating norms for interpreting the scores relative to the general population or specific groups. This can be done through studies with large samples from different populations to create statistical norms. These statistical data can then be used to compare an individual’s results with those of the general population, thus providing a more accurate estimate of the degree and nature of attachment.

Bibliography

To fully understand the use and application of the ECR-36, it may be helpful to refer to scientific publications that have evaluated the validity and reliability of the tool, such as:
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. Guilford Press.
These sources provide detailed information on the development of the scale, its psychometric analysis, and its practical applications in research and clinical practice.