Free Attachment Style Test (ECR-R)
Discover your attachment style — free, anonymous, and detailed. Takes 10-12 minutes.
The ECR-R — Experiences in Close Relationships, Revised (Fraley et al., 2000)
ECR-R — Experiences in Close Relationships, Revised
The ECR-R is a scientifically validated attachment-style measure developed by Fraley, Waller and Brennan (2000). It evaluates 36 statements about romantic relationships across two dimensions — anxiety and avoidance — which together identify one of four attachment styles: secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, or fearful-avoidant.
- 36 research-grade questions across 2 dimensions of adult attachment
- Takes 10-12 minutes to complete
- 100% free and anonymous — no email or account required
- Identifies your style across the 4 attachment categories
- Most-cited adult-attachment measure in psychological research
- Excellent reliability and validity in adult populations
About the online attachment test
The ECR-R is the most-used adult attachment measure in psychological research. It was developed using item-response theory by Fraley, Waller and Brennan in 2000.
The test asks how much you agree with 36 statements about romantic relationships, and gives you a score on two dimensions (anxiety and avoidance) plus your overall attachment style.
Time
10-12 minutes
Questions
36 questions
Scale
1-7 (Strongly disagree to Strongly agree)
Validation
Fraley et al. (2000)
Important: Attachment style isn't fixed. Many people work with a therapist to develop a more secure attachment over time.
Why take the ECR-R?
Understand your relationship patterns
Learn why you respond the way you do in close relationships
Detailed two-dimensional result
Both anxiety and avoidance scores, plus your overall style
Personalised guidance
Strengths, challenges and concrete next steps based on your style
Foundation for therapy
Useful starting point if you decide to work with a therapist
The 4 attachment styles
The ECR-R identifies one of four attachment styles based on your scores on anxiety and avoidance.
Secure
Comfortable with intimacy and independence — about 50-60% of adults
Anxious-preoccupied
Wants closeness but fears abandonment — about 15-20% of adults
Dismissive-avoidant
Values independence, avoids emotional vulnerability — 15-25%
Fearful-avoidant
Wants closeness but also fears it (push-pull) — 5-15%
Example questions from the ECR-R
Here are 6 of the 36 questions in the ECR-R.
I'm afraid that I will lose my partner's love
I prefer not to show a partner how I feel deep down
I often worry that my partner will not want to stay with me
I feel comfortable depending on romantic partners
I find it relatively easy to get close to my partner
I worry a lot about my relationships
What does this test NOT measure?
The ECR-R is NOT:
- ✕An attachment disorder diagnostic — those need formal clinical assessment
- ✕A relationship-quality measure — try the CSI-32 for that
- ✕A personality test — it specifically measures attachment in relationships
- ✕A fixed label — attachment style can change with therapy and time
Attachment style can change
The good news: attachment isn't destiny. Therapeutic approaches like EFT, schema therapy and trauma-informed work can help develop a more secure attachment over time.
Find an attachment-focused therapistFrequently asked questions about the attachment test
What is the ECR-R attachment test?
The ECR-R (Experiences in Close Relationships - Revised) is a scientifically validated questionnaire developed by Fraley, Waller & Brennan (2000) that measures attachment style through 36 statements. It scores you on two dimensions — anxiety and avoidance — which together identify your attachment style: secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, or fearful-avoidant.
How long does the attachment style test take?
The ECR-R takes 10-12 minutes. The 36 questions are answered on a 7-point scale from "Strongly disagree" to "Strongly agree". Results show your scores on both anxiety and avoidance dimensions, plus your overall attachment style.
Is the attachment style test free and anonymous?
Yes — the test is 100% free and anonymous. We do not ask for your name, email, or any personal data to show you your results.
What are the four attachment styles?
(1) Secure: low anxiety + low avoidance — comfortable with intimacy and independence. (2) Anxious-preoccupied: high anxiety + low avoidance — strong desire for closeness with fear of abandonment. (3) Dismissive-avoidant: low anxiety + high avoidance — values independence and self-reliance, avoids emotional vulnerability. (4) Fearful-avoidant (sometimes called "disorganised"): high anxiety + high avoidance — wants closeness but also fears it.
Can my attachment style change?
Yes — attachment style is not fixed. Through self-awareness, healthy relationships, and especially therapy (CBT, EFT, schema therapy and trauma-informed approaches all work well), people can move towards more secure attachment. Studies show meaningful change is possible at any age.
Where does my attachment style come from?
Attachment style is shaped early — primarily by relationships with caregivers in childhood — and is reinforced (or modified) by significant adult relationships. It's not 'caused' by any single event, but a pattern that develops over time.
Can the ECR-R diagnose attachment disorder?
No — the ECR-R is a research-grade screening tool, not a clinical diagnostic. Attachment disorders are clinical conditions that require formal assessment by a mental health professional registered with HCPC, BACP, BPS or UKCP.
I think I have an insecure attachment style. What should I do?
Insecure attachment styles are very common — most people have some insecurity. Therapy helps significantly: CBT can help with anxious patterns, schema therapy and EFT work on the underlying templates, and trauma-informed approaches help with fearful-avoidant patterns. On MatchyMatch you can find UK therapists who specialise in attachment work.
How accurate is the ECR-R?
The ECR-R is one of the most accurate self-report attachment measures available, with strong reliability and validity in research. That said, self-report has limits — your answers reflect how you currently see yourself in relationships, which can vary depending on the partner and the context.
Ready to discover your attachment style?
Start the ECR-R now and get a detailed analysis of your attachment patterns.
Start the attachment testRelated psychological tests
Attachment style is one of the most useful frameworks for understanding yourself in relationships. If you'd like specialist support, MatchyMatch can connect you with UK therapists who specialise in attachment-focused work, with the first 15-minute discovery call free.