[Development of the Long and Short Versions of the Hungarian ECR-R Questionnaire for Measuring Adult Romantic...

We provide an overview of the development and validation of the Hungarian long (ECR-R-HU) and short (ECR-R-HU-SF) versions of the Experiences in Close Relationships - Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire on a nationally representative adult sample and highlight the practical applications of the measurement tool.

The original ECR-R consists of 36 items, while the short form includes 8 items. Both versions have two subscales, Avoidance and Anxiety. Respondents rated the items on a 7-point Likert scale. We assessed the construct validity of the measurement tools using indicators of well-being and family functioning (depressive mood, perceived stress, well-being, and family functioning).

Consistent with prior research, skewed distributions were observed in the Hungarian sample; both subscale scores skewed towards attachment security (low scores on both Avoidance and Anxiety). Risk cut-off values for both subscales were determined based on the 75th and 90th percentiles of the population data. Relationship status was the only sociodemographic factor that showed a significant effect across the subscales, with individuals not in a relationship reporting significantly higher scores on both Avoidance and Anxiety. Indicators used to assess construct validity showed weak to moderate correlations with both attachment subscales in the expected directions. These findings were further supported by analyses based on risk groups.

The long and short forms of the Hungarian version of the ECR-R are reliable and valid tools with established baseline distributions. We recommend them as scientific assessment tools and as practical instruments for screening and follow-up.