Relationship Structures Questionnaire (ECR-RS)

Abstract

The Relationship Structures Questionnaire (ECR-RS) is a highly efficient, 9-item self-report instrument designed to assess adult attachment patterns across a variety of specific close relationships. Unlike many global measures, the ECR-RS allows for the simultaneous evaluation of attachment orientations (Anxiety and Avoidance) directed toward distinct figures, such as mother, father, current romantic partner, best friend, or therapist. This scale serves as a streamlined, relationship-specific version of the 36-item Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire – Revised (ECR-R), making the assessment of attachment style variations across multiple social targets feasible for research and clinical settings.

Keywords

Attachment, ECR-RS, Relationship Structures, Attachment Styles, Avoidance, Anxiety, Close Relationships, ECR-R, Self-report, Fraley.

Authors

Fraley, R., Heffernan, M., et al (2011).

[quads id=5]

Purpose

The primary purpose of the ECR-RS is to measure the two fundamental dimensions of adult attachment—Attachment Anxiety and Attachment Avoidance—but specifically tailored to assess these dimensions in the context of particular relationship figures. This methodology addresses a limitation of older measures by acknowledging that an individual’s attachment style may not be uniform across all close relationships, providing a nuanced view of relational functioning.

By using the same nine items repeatedly for different figures (dyadic targets), the ECR-RS facilitates the study of heterogeneity in attachment organization. Researchers utilize the scale to determine relationship-specific attachment orientations, which can then be used to classify the individual’s style (Secure, Preoccupied, Dismissing, or Fearful-Avoidant) relative to each person assessed.

Construct

The ECR-RS measures the two orthogonal dimensions of adult attachment, as established in contemporary attachment theory: Attachment Anxiety and Attachment Avoidance. These dimensions reflect internal working models of the self and others in intimate relationships.

• Attachment Avoidance: Reflects the degree of discomfort with closeness and dependence on others. High avoidance is associated with prioritizing independence and maintaining emotional distance.
• Attachment Anxiety: Reflects the degree of fear of abandonment and rejection by relationship partners. High anxiety is associated with hypervigilance regarding relationship status and seeking excessive reassurance.

The scoring system aggregates items related to these two dimensions, allowing for precise placement within the two-dimensional attachment space for each relationship assessed.

Validity

The validity of the ECR-RS is strongly rooted in its derivation from the empirically robust ECR-R. Studies, including the original validation paper, demonstrate that the ECR-RS successfully captures the same two-factor structure as the longer scale. Criterion validity is supported by the scale’s ability to differentially predict relationship outcomes and behaviors based on the specific target assessed (e.g., attachment to a romantic partner predicts romantic satisfaction, while attachment to a parent predicts communication patterns with that parent).

The ability of the ECR-RS to assess variation in attachment across relationship types provides evidence of its discriminant validity, confirming that the measure captures relationship-specific structures rather than just a global, trait-like characteristic.

Reliability

The ECR-RS demonstrates good internal consistency for both subscales, despite its brevity. The original study by Fraley, Heffernan, et al. (2011) confirmed acceptable Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the Avoidance and Anxiety subscales when applied across different relationship targets. This suggests that the nine items reliably measure their intended underlying constructs, maintaining psychometric rigor while significantly shortening the assessment time required compared to the full ECR-R.

Factor Analysis

Factor analysis of the ECR-RS consistently confirms a clear two-factor structure, aligning with the theoretical model of adult attachment. Items 1 through 6 primarily load onto the Avoidance dimension, while items 7 through 9 load onto the Anxiety dimension. This dimensional structure is maintained regardless of the specific relationship target being assessed (mother, partner, friend), reinforcing the scale’s structural integrity and its utility in measuring the core dimensions of attachment avoidance and anxiety.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire

Format: 9 items using a 7-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree; 7 = strongly agree). The scale requires respondents to rate the items separately for each relationship target (e.g., mother, father, partner).

Language Available: English (Original development language).

Population Group: General adult population.

Age Group: Adult (18+).

Population Details: Suitable for individuals engaged in emotionally intimate relationships, including familial, platonic, romantic, and therapeutic relationships.

Test Methodology: Respondents indicate their level of agreement with statements regarding how they feel in a specific emotionally intimate relationship. Items 1 to 4 are reverse-scored (R) to calculate the final Avoidance score.

Keywords

Psychological Scale, Attachment Measurement, Relationship Assessment, Fraley, Adult Attachment, Anxiety Avoidance Model, Dyadic Relationships, Psychological Assessment.

[quads id=5]

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: N/A (Not provided in source material)

Affiliation Email addresses: N/A (Not provided in source material)

Correspondence Address: N/A (Contact information typically available via the corresponding author, R. Fraley, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign).

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The ECR-RS is generally considered a freely available academic instrument for research and clinical use. The original publication detailing the scale is Fraley, Heffernan, et al. (2011).

The full text of the original validation paper, along with the questionnaire itself and related resources, are often made freely available by the primary author, Professor Chris Fraley, on his academic website: http://internal.psychology.illinois.edu/charrcfraley/index.htm

Test Year: 2011 (Year of primary publication).

Reference’s

Fraley, R., Heffernan, M., et al (2011). The Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures questionnaire: A method for assessing attachment orientations across relationships. Psychological Assessment, 23, 615-625.

The original PDF version of the ECR-RS can be downloaded here: PDF version of the ECR-RS

A companion scoring chart is also available as a PDF diagram: PDF diagram scoring chart

[quads id=5]

Items of the relationship structures questionnaire (ECR-RS)

In the questionnaire, “m” is for mother, “fa” for father, “p” for partner, “fr” for friend, and “th” for therapist. Respondents use a 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree) scale.

1. It helps to turn to this person in times of need (R)
2. I usually discuss my problems and concerns with this person (R)
3. I talk things over with this person (R)
4. I find it easy to depend on this person (R)
5. I don’t feel comfortable opening up to this person
6. I prefer not to show this person how I feel deep down.
7. I often worry that this person doesn’t really care for me
8. I’m afraid that this person may abandon me
9. I worry that this person won’t care about me as much as I care about him or her

Scoring Instructions:

• Average Avoidance: Calculated using items 1 to 6. Items 1 to 4 are reverse scored.
• Average Anxiety: Calculated using items 7 to 9.

When reverse scoring items 1 to 4, take the score you have written and subtract it from 8.