K. A. Brennan et al (1998) developed a measure known as the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) based on existing adult attachment questionnaires. The present article concerns the French translation of the ECR and proposes 2 validation studies carried out with French Canadian adults (N=329) and couples (N=316). The 1st study consisted of verifying the exploratory and confirmatory factorial validity of the French version of the ECR. The exploratory factor analysis showed that 18 items measure the avoidance dimension and 18 items measure the anxiety dimension. Results of the factorial confirmatory analyses demonstrated the value of a 2-stage model. This model included 8 1st-order attachment components that are related to 2 2nd-order dimensions, namely, avoidance of intimacy and anxiety over abandonment. The 2nd study served to counter-validate the 2nd-order model using a sample of couples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
