the original 198 items). ‘Factor 1 (Depend) and Factor 3 (Close) were moderately correlated (.41)’ suggesting
some measurement overlap between these two AAS subscales. Subsequently, Collins (1996, pp. 814 /C0815,
N5295) confirmed the tripartite structure of the AAS (based on a factor analysis of the revised items).
Criterion/Predictive
Evidence of predictive validity was reported by Collins (1996, Table 5, p. 823) . For example, as predictors of
scores on the Anxiety subscale, the standardized beta coefficients were as follows: love/security ( 2.22), respon-
sive/dependable ( 2.24), self-worth/reliance ( 2.18), trust ( 2.23), partner warmth/closeness ( 2.29), and mini-
mizing negative impact ( 2.21). In contrast, there were no significant predictors for scores on the Close/Depend
subscales. Further evidence of predictive validity in relation to predicting scores on measures of attributions,
emotions, and behavioral intentions was provided by Collins (Table 6, p. 824).
Location
Collins, N.L. (1996). Working models of attachment: Implications for explanation, emotion, and behavior.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 71 , 810/C0832.
Results and Comments
The three AAS subscales can be used as continuous measures of the dimensions underlying differences in
adult attachment patterns (comfort with closeness, comfort with depending on others, and fear of rejection).
Second, scores on the AAS can be used to place people into discrete attachment-style categories (secure, avoidant,
preoccupied or anxious). As the Close and Depend subscales correlate closely with each other, in some studies
(e.g., Collins, Feeney, and Brooke, 2000 ) they have been collapsed into a single dimension, making the resultant
two subscales similar to the ECR scales described below.
ADULT ATTACHMENT SCALE
Instructions: Please read each of the following state-
ments and rate the extent to which it describes your
feelings about romantic relationships. Please think
about all your relationships (past and present) and
respond in terms of how you generally feel in these
relationships. If you have never been involved in a
romantic relationship, answer in terms of how you
think you would feel.
1.I find it relatively easy to get close to people.
2.I find it difficult to allow myself to depend on
others.
3.I often worry that romantic partners don’t really
love me.
4.I find that others are reluctant to get as close as I
would like.
5.I am comfortable depending on others.
6.I don’t worry about people getting too close to me.
7.I find that people are never there when you need
them.
8.I am somewhat uncomfortable being close to
others.
9.I often worry that romantic partners won’t want to
stay with me.
10.When I show my feelings for others, I’m afraid they
will not feel the same about me.
11.I often wonder whether romantic partners really
care about me.12.I am comfortable developing close relationships
with others.
13.I am uncomfortable when anyone gets too
emotionally close to me.
14.I know that people will be there when I need them.
15.I want to get close to people, but I worry about
being hurt.
16.I find it difficult to trust others completely.
17.Romantic partners often want me to be emotionally
closer than I feel comfortable being.
18.I am not sure that I can always depend on people to
be there when I need them.
Notes : Items are rated on a 5-point Likert-type scale
ranging from: 1 5Not at all characteristic to 5 5Very
characteristic.
Items 1, 5, 6, 12, and 14 are reverse-keyed prior to
computing the subscale scores.
The Close score is computed by averaging items 1, 6,
8, 12, 13, and 17. Higher scores indicate greater dis-
comfort with closeness and intimacy.
The Depend score is computed by averaging items 2,
5, 7, 14, 16, and 18. Higher scores reflect greater dis-
comfort depending on others.
The Anxiety score is computed by averaging items 3,
4, 9, 10, 11, and 15. Higher scores reflect greater fear
of being rejected or unloved.
Reproduced with permission.422 15. MEASURES OF ADULT ATTACHMENT AND RELATED CONSTRUCTS
IV. INTERPERSONAL STYLES