The measurement of attachment styles in adolescents: Psychometric development and validation of the ARA/AFR scale

• Roazzi, Antonio ; Toni , Alessandro ^[1] ; Di Pentima,, Lorenza ^[1] ; Vermigli, Patrizia ^[4] ; Rodrigues de Moura, Maria Aline ^[2] ; Campello de Souza, Bruno ; Medeiros do Nascimento, Alexsandro ; Roazzi, Maíra ^[5] ; Savoldi, Robson ^[3]
  1. [1] Università de Roma La Sapienza

     Università de Roma La Sapienza

     Roma Capitale, Italia

     
  2. [2] Universidade de Pernambuco

     Universidade de Pernambuco

     Brasil

     
  3. [3] Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

     Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

     Brasil

     
  4. [4] Institute of Cognitive Sciences & Technologies, CNR
  5. [5] Research Group: Center for Research in Experimental an Cultural Epistemology (UFPE).

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• Localización: AMAzônica, ISSN-e 1983-3415, Vol. 18, Nº. 1 (Enero), 2025 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Temas livres em educação e psicologia), págs. 899-981
• Idioma: portugués
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• Resumen

  • The present study addresses a significant gap in psychological research by developing and validating the ARA ("Apego nas Relações de Amizade"; in English, Attachment in Friendship Relationships - AFR) scale, tailored explicitly for the adolescent population. Adolescence is a critical developmental phase during which attachment styles profoundly influence personal development and social competencies. This scale is an adaptation of the well-established "Experiences in Close Relationships" (ECR) questionnaire, originally developed by Brennan, Clark, and Shaver in 1998, to assess attachment in adult romantic relationships. The ARA/AFR fills the void of appropriate instruments by offering a self-assessment tool relevant to everyday peer relationship experiences. Its user-friendly format allows for both individual and group administration, making it suitable for educational and therapeutic settings. The ARA/AFR was validated through multidimensional and factor analysis using a sample of 805 adolescents aged 12 to 17. The study revealed a two-factor structure (Anxiety and Avoidance) consistent with theoretical constructs. This tool provides a culturally relevant and age-appropriate self-assessment method. The normative scores facilitate categorizing participants into classical attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful, broadening its applicability in various professional settings. The ARA/AFR is thus positioned as a valuable instrument for research, education, and therapy, aiding in understanding and supporting adolescent attachment dynamics.