Description

The Relationship Structures Questionnaire (RSQ) is a psychometric tool designed to assess the structures and dynamics of interpersonal relationships. The RSQ focuses on key dimensions of relationships such as attachment, trust, communication, and Relationship Structures Questionnaire [ECR-RS / RSTQ-9]

Description

The Relationship Structures Questionnaire [ECR-RS / RSTQ-9] is a 9-item self-report instrument designed to assess attachment patterns across different close relationships, including relationships with a mother or mother-like figure, father or father-like figure, romantic partner, close friend, and, with appropriate adaptation, a therapist.

Purpose

The questionnaire assesses how individuals experience emotional closeness, dependence, openness, avoidance, and attachment-related anxiety in specific relationships or in close relationships more generally.

Scoring

Items are rated on a 7-point scale, ranging from 1 = “Strongly Disagree” to 7 = “Strongly Agree.”

Two main dimensions are calculated:

  • Attachment Avoidance: mean of Items 1–6, with Items 1–4 reverse-scored.
  • Attachment Anxiety: mean of Items 7–9.

For reverse scoring Items 1–4, the response is subtracted from 8.

Applications

The ECR-RS can be used in psychological and relationship research to examine attachment security, avoidance, anxiety, and differences in attachment patterns across multiple relationships. Scores can also contribute to the identification of attachment orientations such as secure, preoccupied, dismissing, and fearful-avoidant.

Reference

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, 615–625.