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Measuring adult attachment: are self-report instruments congruent?
M B Sperling1, P Foelsch, C Grace
1Department of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ 07666, USA.
Journal of Personality Assessment
|August 1, 1996
Summary
This study evaluated six adult attachment measures in 160 college students. Findings suggest a primary positive-affiliative versus negative-conflictual attachment distinction, with secondary style differences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Adult attachment theory explores enduring relational patterns.
- Numerous scales exist to measure adult attachment styles.
- Understanding scale psychometrics is crucial for research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the intercorrelations and reliability of six distinct adult attachment measures.
- To identify underlying structural dimensions within these attachment measures.
- To provide guidance on the appropriate use of reviewed attachment scales.
Main Methods:
- 160 college students completed six attachment scales: Hazan-Shaver, Simpson, Collins & Read, Sperling & Berman, West et al., and Hindy et al.
- Psychometric properties including scale reliability and intercorrelations were analyzed.
- Factor analysis or similar techniques were implicitly used to explore structural distinctions.
Main Results:
- Most scales demonstrated adequate reliability and consistent intercorrelations.
- A primary dimension emerged distinguishing positive-affiliative from negative-conflictual attachment.
- Secondary distinctions were observed within these broader attachment spheres.
Conclusions:
- The reviewed adult attachment measures show promising psychometric consistency.
- A fundamental positive-negative dimension appears central to adult attachment.
- Context-specific selection of attachment measures is recommended for researchers.
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