Scale Analysis

The Experience in Close Relationship Scale (ECR-36) was developed in 1998 by Kelly Brennan, Catherine Clark, and Phillip Shaver. It is divided into two subscales that assess attachment-related avoidance and anxiety.

Purpose of the Scale

The purpose of this scale is to measure adult attachment based on the two-dimensional model of avoidance and anxiety in close relationships. Attachment-related avoidance refers to fear of dependence and interpersonal intimacy, excessive need for autonomy, and reluctance to self-disclose. Attachment-related anxiety refers to fear of interpersonal rejection or abandonment, excessive need for approval from others, and distress when the partner is unavailable or unresponsive.

Question Calibration

Participants are asked to respond to 36 items by considering how they feel in emotionally close relationships and how they generally experience relationships, rather than focusing on a specific one. Responses are given on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly disagree) to 7 (Strongly agree).

Statistical Analysis

Based on their scores, participants can be grouped into four different categories. The total score ranges from 7 to 42 and represents the average of the sum of avoidance and anxiety scores. Certain anxiety items must be reverse scored; for example, if someone responds with a “6” to a specific item, it is counted as a “2” because some questions represent low anxiety with high values. The same applies to avoidance. Individuals who score high on one or both dimensions are considered to have an insecure adult attachment orientation. Moreover, higher scores are significantly and positively associated with depression, anxiety, interpersonal distress, or loneliness.

Validity and Reliability

Internal consistency coefficients (Cronbach’s alpha) demonstrate high reliability for both subscales, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 for avoidance and from 0.88 to 0.91 for anxiety.

Bibliography

Fraley, R. C., Heffernan, M. E., Vicary, A. M., & Brumbaugh, C. C. (2011). The Experiences in Close Relationships—Relationship Structures Questionnaire: A method for assessing attachment orientations across relationships. Psychological Assessment, 23(3), 615.

For the development and analysis of research data based on this scale, as well as for further information, contact the DatAnalysis team.

Tags: Counseling Psychology