Attachment dimensions (ECR)

The Experiences in Close Relationships scale (ECR) maps adult attachment not as a single type but on two independent, research-validated dimensions: attachment anxiety (fear of rejection and abandonment) and attachment avoidance (discomfort with closeness and dependence). Your standing is continuous rather than a fixed category — and the four familiar styles (secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissing, and fearful) emerge as the quadrants of this two-dimensional space.

The Experiences in Close Relationships measure (Brennan, Clark & Shaver, 1998; revised by Fraley, Waller & Brennan, 2000) is the research standard for adult attachment. It maps you on two validated continuous dimensions — anxiety and avoidance — that together underlie the four named styles. (Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR / ECR-R))

Dimensions

• Attachment anxiety (Secure – Anxious) — Leaning high means worrying about a partner's availability and fearing rejection or abandonment; leaning low means feeling confident that you are loved and that others will be there when needed.
• Attachment avoidance (Close – Avoidant) — Leaning high means preferring self-reliance and feeling uneasy with too much closeness or dependence; leaning low means being comfortable getting close to and relying on others.

References

• Brennan, K. A., Clark, C. L., & Shaver, P. R. (1998). Self-report measurement of adult romantic attachment: An integrative overview. In J. A. Simpson & W. S. Rholes (Eds.), Attachment Theory and Close Relationships (pp. 46–76), Guilford Press
• 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

Related topics

• Adult attachment style
• How quickly you open up
• How you handle conflict with loved ones
• What helps you feel secure

All topics on ArtaQuest