Description

The “Experience of Close Relationships Questionnaire – Short Version” (ECR-S) is an abbreviated form of the original “Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire” (ECR). The ECR-S is designed to assess the core dimensions of attachment in close relationships, focusing on two primary aspects: attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. The ECR-S includes 12 statements, 6 for each dimension, selected for their ability to effectively represent these dimensions in a concise and accurate manner.

Purpose

The main purpose of the ECR-S is to provide a reliable and valid tool for assessing attachment styles in close relationships, while reducing completion time compared to the full version of the ECR. The ECR-S is particularly useful in research contexts where time is limited or when participant engagement needs to be brief. The information collected can be used to understand how attachment styles influence relationship quality, mental health, and interpersonal behaviors.

Analysis

The analysis of the data collected through the ECR-S involves the use of statistical methods to assess the reliability and validity of the tool. Reliability is evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha to determine the internal consistency of the items. Factor analysis is employed to confirm the structure of the instrument and to ensure that the selected statements adequately represent the two dimensions of attachment anxiety and avoidance. Additionally, correlation analysis may be conducted to examine how the scale’s scores relate to other psychological and social variables such as relationship satisfaction, mental health, and social support.

Calibration

Calibration of the ECR-S is carried out using a 7-point Likert scale, where participants are asked to rate each statement from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Total scores are calculated separately for attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance by summing the ratings of the six statements for each dimension. Higher scores on attachment anxiety indicate greater concern about rejection, while higher scores on attachment avoidance indicate a greater tendency to avoid emotional closeness.

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.
Fraley, R. C., & Shaver, P. R. (2000). Adult romantic attachment: Theoretical developments, emerging controversies, and unanswered questions. Review of General Psychology, 4(2), 132–154.