Bonanno, 2004). In another study (Vicary & Fraley, 2007), avoidance was significantly predictive of relationship
dissatisfaction, β5.28,p,.001).
Location
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 , 350/C0365.
Results and Comments
Fraley et al. (2000) suggested on the basis of their study that further IRT work needs to be done on attachment
scales such as the ECR-R. The Fraley et al. (2000) IRT analysis implied that the ECR-R has better psychometric
properties than any of the four other commonly used measures of adult attachment, but the differences were
small. And subsequent studies have found that the two ECR-R subscales are more highly correlated with each
other than the original ECR subscales ( Cameron, Finnegan, & Morry, 2012 ), which in some cases might make it
more difficult to distinguish effects of anxiety from effects of avoidance.
EXPERIENCES IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS /C0REVISED
The following statements concern how you generally
feel in close relationships (e.g., with romantic partners, close
friends, or family members). Respond to each statement by
i n d i c a t i n gh o wm u c hy o ua g r e eo rd i s a g r e ew i t hi t .
Avoidance items
1.I prefer not to show a partner how I feel deep down.
2.I feel comfortable sharing my private thoughts and
feelings with my partner.*
3.I find it difficult to allow myself to depend on
romantic partners.
4.I am very comfortable being close to romantic
partners.*
5.I don’t feel comfortable opening up to romantic
partners.
6.I prefer not to be too close to romantic partners.
7.I get uncomfortable when a romantic partner wants
to be very close.
8.I find it relatively easy to get close to my partner.*
9.It’s not difficult for me to get close to my partner.*
10.I usually discuss my problems and concerns with
my partner.*
11.It helps to turn to my romantic partner in times of
need.*
12.I tell my partner just about everything.*
13.I talk things over with my partner.*
14.I am nervous when partners get too close to me.
15.I feel comfortable depending on romantic partners.*
16.I find it easy to depend on romantic partners.*
17.It’s easy for me to be affectionate with my partner.*
18.My partner really understands me and my needs.*
Anxiety items
1.I’m afraid that I will lose my partner’s love.
2.I often worry that my partner will not want to stay
with me.3.I often worry that my partner doesn’t really
love me.
4.I worry that romantic partners won’t care about me
as much as I care about them.
5.I often wish that my partner’s feelings for me were
as strong as my feelings for him or her.
6.I worry a lot about my relationships.
7.When my partner is out of sight, I worry that
he or she might become interested in someone
else.
8.When I show my feelings for romantic partners, I’m
afraid they will not feel the same about me.
9.I rarely worry about my partner leaving me.*
10.My romantic partner makes me doubt myself.
11.I do not often worry about being abandoned.*
12.I find that my partner(s) don’t want to get as close
as I would like.
13.Sometimes romantic partners change their feelings
about me for no apparent reason.
14.My desire to be very close sometimes scares people
away.
15.I’m afraid that once a romantic partner gets to know
me, he or she won’t like who I really am.
16.It makes me mad that I don’t get the affection and
support I need from my partner.
17.I worry that I won’t measure up to other people.
18.My partner only seems to notice me when I’m
angry.
Notes :
*Reverse worded item.
Items are rated on a 7-point Likert-type scale ranging
from: 1 5Strongly disagree to 7 5Strongly agree.
Reproduced with permission.432 15. MEASURES OF ADULT ATTACHMENT AND RELATED CONSTRUCTS
IV. INTERPERSONAL STYLES