Experiences in Close Relationships – Revised

What it measures

A dimensional measure of adult romantic attachment, capturing anxiety about abandonment and avoidance of intimacy. Continuous scores allow richer analysis than categorical attachment types. Widely used in relationship, psychopathology, and interpersonal process research.

Response format

Likert (1–7, strongly disagree to strongly agree)

Representative items

• I worry about being abandoned. (Anxiety)
• I find it relatively easy to get close to my partner. (R, Avoidance)
• I'm not sure that I can always depend on my partner to be there when I need them. (Anxiety)
• I prefer not to show a partner how I feel deep down. (Avoidance)
• I worry a lot about my relationships. (Anxiety)

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored. Two continuous subscale scores — anxiety and avoidance. High anxiety + low avoidance = preoccupied; low both = secure; low anxiety + high avoidance = dismissing; high both = fearful. Freely available from Chris Fraley's website.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

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.

Keywords