Cited by 3,385Attachment and Relationship DynamicsPsychometric Methodologies and TestingPersonality Traits and Psychology

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An Item-Response Theory Analysis of Self-Report Measures of Adult Attachment

Fraley, R. Chris, Waller, Niels G., Brennan, Kelly A.·2000·Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

DOI 10.1037/0022-3514.78.2.350

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Abstract

Self-report measures of adult attachment are typically scored in ways (e.g., averaging or summing items) that can lead to erroneous inferences about important theoretical issues, such as the degree of continuity in attachment security and the differential stability of insecure attachment patterns. To determine whether existing attachment scales suffer from scaling problems, the authors conducted an item response theory (IRT) analysis of 4 commonly used self-report inventories: Experiences in Close Relationships scales (K. A. Brennan, C. L. Clark, & P. R. Shaver, 1998), Adult Attachment Scales (N. L. Collins & S. J. Read, 1990), Relationship Styles Questionnaire (D. W. Griffin & K. Bartholomew, 1994) and J. Simpson's (1990) attachment scales. Data from 1,085 individuals were analyzed using F. Samejima's (1969) graded response model. The authors' findings indicate that commonly used attachment scales can be improved in a number of important ways. Accordingly, the authors show how IRT techniques can be used to develop new attachment scales with desirable psychometric properties.

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Authors: Fraley, R. C., Waller, N. G., & Brennan, K. A.
Affiliations: University of California, Davis (US)
ORCID: Fraley, R. Chris
Waller, Niels G.
Venue: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 2000-02
Volume: 78
Issue: 2
Pages: 350-365
ISSN: 0022-3514 (ISSN-L)
1939-1315
DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.78.2.350
OpenAlex: W4253600352
Cited by: 3,385
References: 1
Citations by year: 2026: 123 · 2025: 173 · 2024: 151 · 2023: 187 · 2022: 195 · 2021: 239 · 2020: 253 · 2019: 213 · 2018: 217 · 2017: 182 · 2016: 234 · 2015: 199 · 2014: 157 · 2013: 160 · 2012: 160
FWCI: 17.92
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Traits and Psychology
Keywords: adult attachment, self-report measures, item response theory, psychometric properties
MeSH terms: Adolescent, Adult, Anxiety, Data Collection, Data Interpretation, Statistical, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Object Attachment, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Psychometrics, Models, Statistical, Cluster Analysis

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An Item-Response Theory Analysis of Self-Report Measures of Adult Attachment

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