Loading...
Relationships
Attachment Style Test in Relationships (ECR-R)
The ECR-R Attachment Style Test: a scientifically validated instrument developed by Fraley, Waller, and Brennan. 36 questions measure two core dimensions: anxiety (fear of rejection) and avoidance (discomfort with closeness).
questions
36
Time
10 min
Method
ecr-r
Rating
4.5
What you'll learn
Your level of attachment anxiety in romantic relationships
Your tendency toward emotional closeness avoidance
Your attachment type: secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized
How your attachment style affects your relationships
Evidence-based recommendations for improving relationship quality
Key facts
Fraley, Waller, Brennan
Authors
2000
Year Created
36
Questions
8-12 min
Time
ECR-R
Method
1000+
Studies
History & development
1969
John Bowlby publishes attachment theory
1978
Mary Ainsworth creates child attachment classification
1987
Hazan and Shaver adapt attachment theory for adult relationships
1998
Brennan, Clark, and Shaver create the original 36-item ECR
2000
Fraley, Waller, and Brennan publish the revised ECR-R using IRT
2011
ECR-R normative data obtained from over 17,000 participants
About the methodology
The ECR-R measures two fundamental dimensions of adult attachment: attachment anxiety (fear of being rejected or abandoned by a partner) and attachment avoidance (discomfort with emotional closeness and dependence on a partner).
The method uses Item Response Theory (IRT) to select the most informative items from the original pool by Brennan, Clark, and Shaver (1998).
Over 1,000 studies confirm the reliability (alpha > 0.90) and validity of the questionnaire. Normative data were obtained from a sample of more than 17,000 individuals.
Scientific references
R. Chris Fraley, Niall G. Waller, Kelly A. Brennan (2000)
Kelly A. Brennan, Catherine L. Clark, Phillip R. Shaver (1998)
Mario Mikulincer, Phillip R. Shaver (2007)
Frequently asked questions
What is the ECR-R attachment style test?
ECR-R (Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised) is a 36-item scientific questionnaire developed by R. Chris Fraley and colleagues in 2000. It measures two primary dimensions of adult attachment: attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. The results help determine your attachment style in romantic relationships.
How accurate is the ECR-R test?
The ECR-R has high reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.90 for both scales) and confirmed validity based on over 1,000 scientific studies. It is one of the most widely used attachment measurement instruments in global psychology.
How long does the test take?
The test consists of 36 questions and usually takes 8-12 minutes. Each question is rated on a 7-point scale from 'Strongly disagree' to 'Strongly agree'.
What attachment types does the test identify?
Based on two scales (anxiety and avoidance), four attachment types are identified: secure (low anxiety, low avoidance), anxious-preoccupied (high anxiety, low avoidance), dismissive-avoidant (low anxiety, high avoidance), and fearful-avoidant/disorganized (high anxiety, high avoidance).
Can you change your attachment style?
Yes, research shows that attachment style can change over time. Psychotherapy, conscious relationship work, and experience of secure relationships contribute to transitioning toward a more secure attachment style.
How does the ECR-R differ from the original ECR?
The ECR-R is an improved version of the original ECR. R. Chris Fraley used Item Response Theory (IRT) to select the most informative items, which increased measurement accuracy while maintaining the same number of questions (36).
Instructions
The statements below concern how you feel in emotionally intimate relationships. We are interested in how you generally experience relationships, not just in what is happening in a current relationship. Respond to each statement by indicating how much you agree or disagree with the statement.
Ready to start?
Over 1500 scientifically validated tests. Completely free and no registration required.