ECR-SF: Experiences in Close Relationships — Attachment Style Assessment

The Experiences in Close Relationships — Short Form (ECR-SF) is a validated 12-item self-report measure of adult attachment style. It assesses two core dimensions: attachment anxiety (fear of abandonment, need for reassurance) and attachment avoidance (discomfort with closeness, preference for self-reliance).

What Your Results Mean

Your scores on the Anxiety (1–7) and Avoidance (1–7) scales classify you into one of four attachment prototypes:

• Secure (low anxiety, low avoidance) — Comfortable with intimacy and interdependence
• Anxious-Preoccupied (high anxiety, low avoidance) — Craves closeness but fears abandonment
• Dismissive-Avoidant (low anxiety, high avoidance) — Values independence, minimizes emotional needs
• Fearful-Avoidant (high anxiety, high avoidance) — Wants closeness but fears rejection

Psychometric Properties

The ECR-SF demonstrates excellent reliability (α = .86–.91) and test-retest stability (r = .82–.89). Normed against N = 12,532 respondents. Based on the attachment dimensions model by Brennan, Clark, and Shaver (1998), abbreviated by Wei et al. (2007).

Take the free ECR-SF assessment now — 3 minutes, no sign-up required.