How to Measure Closeness in Relationships- Line Scale of Closeness

 

Line Scale of Closeness (LSC)

The Line Scale of Closeness (LSC) is a simple measure that can be used in clinical or research settings. In a clinical setting, psychotherapists and clients can explore any barriers to closeness and discuss how the level of closeness has changed over time. The LSC may also be used to identify progress toward counseling goals.

To compare changes over time or differences between groups, use a standardized line length such as 7-inches or 18-cm. 

On each end of the line, identify the client or participant and on the opposite end of the line, identify the person who is the subject of feeling close to or distant from. Ask the client or participant to place an X on the line to indicate how close they feel toward the other person.

Example

 Example

       ______________________________________________________________

Self

Other

 

Scoring

Place a ruler on the scale and record the score in centimeters to two decimal points e.g., 12.25 cm.

I have used this scale informally and in lab research but I have not published any results.

I have not used the scale in an online format but I think it would be easy with survey software that allows for placing a response along a continuum.

Language

I have worked in a variety of settings. The scale is easy to use with people of different languages or limited vocabulary.

 

Religion

For clients who express feeling distant from God, the Line Scale of Closeness (LSC) is an easy way for them to identify their perception of closeness. 

Although I have not used the word attachment, I hypothesize that the score on the LSC would be significantly correlated with avoidant and anxious attachment measured on Likert-scales.

I have used the scale to measure closeness to God in Christian samples. In experimental procedures, three groups receive similar instructions varied by the person of the Trinity. Most students felt closer to Jesus but the response to God the Father or the Holy Spirit were not consistent. These data suggest that attachment to God inventories may be less accurate than identifying Jesus as the focus of attachment for evangelical Christians. These are only hypotheses because the scale has not been used with a large sample and subject to peer review.

Permission

You have permission to use this scale for noncommercial use only (e.g., teaching and research). Kindly cite this post in your reports and presentations.

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How to cite this post (APA Style)

Sutton, G.W. (2020, December 9). How to Measure Closeness in Relationships: Line Scale of Closeness (LSC). Assessment, Statistics, & Research https://statistics.suttong.com/2020/12/how-to-measure-closeness-in.html 

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 Related Measures

Adult Attachment Scale

Attachment to God Inventory

 

 

 

Experiences in Close Relationships-Relational Structures

 

Experiences in Close Relationships-Relational Structures

 

The ECR-RS is a measure of adult attachment that includes four 9-item subscales for mother, father, romantic partner, and best friend attachment (Fraley et al., 2011a). Statements on the ECR-RS are rated on a 7-point scale (1 = strongly disagree; 7 = strongly agree).

 

Sample items from the ECR-RS

 

I find it easy to depend on this person.

I often worry that this person doesn't really care for me.

 

Reliability values

 

“In our research, the ECR-RS has proven to be quite useful. The test-retest reliability (over 30 days) of the individual scales are approximately .65 for the domain of romantic relationships (including individuals who experienced breakups during the 30-day period) and .80 in the parental domain.” (Chris-Fraley, n.d.)

 

Scale alpha values exceed .90 for each scale, according to Chris-Fraley.

 

Finding the ECR-RS Questionnaire,

Chris-Fraley has a copy of the scale with references and scoring information at the Illinois lab site. http://labs.psychology.illinois.edu/~rcfraley/measures/relstructures.htm

See also the 2011a reference below.

 

Additional Data

 

Chris-Fraley has provided additional references and an Excel sheet for scoring at this link: http://labs.psychology.illinois.edu/~rcfraley/measures/ecrr.htm

 

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References

 

Fraley, R. C., Heffernan, M. E., Vicary, A. M., & Brumbaugh, C. C. (2011a). Experiences in Close Relationships—Relationship Structures Questionnaire [Database record]. Retrieved from PsycTESTS. https://doi.org/10.1037/t08412-000

Fraley, R. C., Heffernan, M. E., Vicary, A. M., & Brumbaugh, C. C. (2011b). The Experiences in Close Relationships—Relationship Structures Questionnaire: A method for assessing attachment orientations across relationships. Psychological Assessment, 23, 615-625. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022898

ADULT ATTACHMENT SCALE

The Adult Attachment Scale or AAS was developed by Professor Nancy Collins at UCSB. The scale was revised in 1996. Attachment theory developed from observations and experiments with children and primates. Many have focused on two dimensions of anxiety and avoidance (or closeness). In the AAS, professor Collins includes a subscale to measure the dependability of a friend.

The full scale has 18 items rated on a 1-5 scale ranging from Not at all (1) to very (5) characteristic of me.

Following are sample items:

1)         I find it relatively easy to get close to people.                                                     ________

2)         I find it difficult to allow myself to depend on others.                                         ________

3)         I often worry that other people don't really love me.                                            ________

The coefficient alpha values range from .78 to .85 for the scales in three studies.

The full scale along with scoring guidelines and useful references are available for download from professor Collins at this link:

  https://labs.psych.ucsb.edu/collins/nancy/UCSB_Close_Relationships_Lab/Resources.html

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References

Collins, N. L. (1996).  Working models of attachment: Implications for explanation, emotion, and behavior.  Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 71, 810-832.

Collins, N. L., & Read, S. J. (1990).  Adult attachment, working models, and relationship quality in dating couples.  Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54, 644-663.

RELATED POST

Attachment and Attachment Theory

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