A quick questionnaire on attachment styles
This quick attachment styles questionnaire, originally devised by Hazan and Shaver (1987), has been widely used to measure adult attachment styles. To get a sense of what type you might be, ask yourself which of the following three statements you most closely relate to:
- ‘It is relatively easy for me to become emotionally close to others. I feel comfortable depending on others and having them depend on me. I don’t worry about being alone or not being accepted by others.’ (Secure Attachment).
- ‘I want emotionally close relationships, but I find that other people are often disappointing or mean without good reason. I worry that I will be hurt if I allow myself to become too close to others. I don’t mind spending time on my own.’ (Avoidant Attachment)
- ‘I want to be emotionally intimate with others, but I often find that they are reluctant to get as close as I would like. I worry that others don’t value me as much as I value them. It can make me feel very upset and annoyed.’ (Anxious Attachment)
The fourth type of adult attachment style, called Fearful or Disorganised Attachment, is not as common as the first three styles. The disorganized attachment style is believed to be a consequence of childhood trauma or abuse. Perceived fear is the central aspect of its development. If fear was not a major feature of your childhood, it is more likely you will relate to the anxious or avoidant attachment styles.
