Secure Attachment Inventory for Couples

The Secure Attachment Inventory for Couples is designed to help partners assess the health and security of their emotional bond. Secure attachment in relationships is characterized by mutual trust, emotional availability, effective communication, and the ability to balance intimacy with independence.

This inventory consists of 30 items that evaluate various aspects of attachment security, including emotional connection, trust, conflict resolution, and responsiveness. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). The results provide insight into the strengths and areas for growth within the relationship.

Instructions

• Read each statement carefully and rate how much it applies to your relationship.

• Be honest in your responses to ensure accurate results.

• After completing the inventory, use the scoring key to interpret your results.

Inventory Items:

Emotional Connection

1. I feel comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings with my partner.

2. My partner is emotionally available when I need them.

3. We enjoy spending quality time together without feeling pressured.

4. I feel safe expressing vulnerability in our relationship.

5. My partner respects my emotional boundaries.

Trust and Reliability

6. I trust my partner to keep their promises.

7. My partner supports me during difficult times.

8. I believe my partner has my best interests at heart.

9. We can rely on each other without hesitation.

10. My partner’s actions align with their words.

Communication

11. We openly discuss our hopes, fears, and concerns.

12. My partner listens empathetically when I talk about my feelings.

13. We resolve conflicts respectfully without escalating tension.

14. My partner validates my emotions even if they don’t agree with me.

15. We use non-verbal cues (e.g., eye contact) to strengthen communication.

Independence and Interdependence

16. I feel comfortable pursuing my interests outside of the relationship.

17. My partner encourages me to maintain friendships and hobbies.

18. We balance time together with time apart effectively.

19. My partner gives me space when I need it without taking it personally.

20. Our relationship does not feel overly dependent or overly distant.

Conflict Resolution

21. When disagreements arise, we work as a team to resolve them.

22. My partner avoids blaming or criticizing during arguments.

23. We can repair our relationship quickly after a conflict.

24. My partner acknowledges their mistakes when necessary.

25. We focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

Responsiveness and Support

26. My partner is attentive to my emotional needs.

27. We celebrate each other’s successes without jealousy or resentment.

28. I feel valued and appreciated in our relationship.

29. My partner provides reassurance when I feel insecure.

30. We are each other’s primary source of emotional support.

Scoring Key

Step 1: Add up your scores for all 30 items to calculate your total score (range: 30–150).

Step 2: Interpret your score using the following categories:

120–150  Strong secure attachment

90–119     Moderate secure attachment; areas for growth may exist

Below 90  Insecure attachment; significant areas for improvement

Subscale Analysis

To gain deeper insights into specific areas:

• Emotional Connection: Items 1–5 (Max: 25)

• Trust and Reliability: Items 6–10 (Max: 25)

• Communication: Items 11–15 (Max: 25)

• Independence/Interdependence: Items 16–20 (Max: 25)

• Conflict Resolution: Items 21–25 (Max: 25)

• Responsiveness/Support: Items 26–30 (Max: 25)

Scores closer to the maximum in each subscale indicate strengths, while lower scores highlight areas needing attention.

Application

This inventory can be used in counseling sessions or as a self-assessment tool for couples seeking to strengthen their bond through secure attachment practices such as empathetic communication, trust-building, and effective conflict resolution