The Measurement of Attachment Styles in Adolescents: Psychometric Development and Validation of the ARA/AFR Scale

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 twofactor 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.