The Science Behind Our Attachment Test

The Instrument: ECR-R

Our attachment style test is based on the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), developed by R. Chris Fraley, Niels G. Waller, and Kelly A. Brennan in 2000.

What It Measures

The ECR-R assesses two fundamental dimensions of adult attachment:

• Attachment Anxiety — Fear of rejection, abandonment, and worries about partner availability
• Attachment Avoidance — Discomfort with closeness, preference for emotional distance, and self-reliance

The Four Attachment Styles

By measuring these two dimensions, the ECR-R identifies four attachment styles:

• Secure (Low anxiety, low avoidance) — Comfortable with intimacy and autonomy
• Anxious-Preoccupied (High anxiety, low avoidance) — Desires closeness but fears rejection
• Dismissive-Avoidant (Low anxiety, high avoidance) — Values independence, suppresses attachment needs
• Fearful-Avoidant (High anxiety, high avoidance) — Desires closeness but fears it

Validation & Reliability

The ECR-R is one of the most extensively validated measures in relationship psychology:

• Internal Consistency: Cronbach's alpha of .90+ for both anxiety and avoidance subscales
• Test-Retest Reliability: High stability over time periods ranging from weeks to years
• Cross-Cultural Validation: Validated across 60+ countries and translated into 20+ languages
• Clinical Utility: Used in therapy settings to guide treatment for relationship issues

The original validation study included over 1,000 participants, and subsequent studies have replicated findings across diverse populations.

Academic Citations

1. 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. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.78.2.350
2. 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). Guilford Press.
3. Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. Guilford Press.
4. Sibley, C. G., Fischer, R., & Liu, J. H. (2005). Reliability and validity of the revised Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR-R) self-report measure of adult romantic attachment. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 31(11), 1524-1536. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167205276865
5. Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Limitations

While the ECR-R is highly validated, it's important to understand its limitations:

• Self-Report Bias: Results depend on honest, accurate self-reflection
• Screening, Not Diagnosis: This test identifies patterns but is not a clinical diagnosis
• Context-Dependent: Attachment styles can vary across different relationships
• Point-in-Time Snapshot: Attachment patterns can change with therapy and healthy relationships

For clinical concerns about attachment or relationship difficulties, we recommend consulting a licensed mental health professional.