The German Version of the State Adult Attachment Measure (SAAM) <subtitle>Structure, Reliability, and Validity</subtitle>

Abstract

Abstract. This study examined the structure, reliability, and validity of a German version of the State Adult Attachment Measure (SAAM) by Gillath and colleagues (Gillath et al., 2009). A satisfactory fit was found for the hypothesized three-factor model (comparative fit index = .840; RMSEA = .071 with 95% CI = .063, .079). The German SAAM subscales showed high internal consistency. Convergent and discriminant validity supported the state interpretation of the subscale scores. Furthermore, German SAAM scores explained variance in outcomes of mental health and well-being over and beyond trait attachment with the Security subscale accounting for most of the variance. One-week test–retest reliability did not differ from a trait attachment measure (Experiences in Close Relationship Scale). The DE-SAAM could capture fluctuations in Security scores induced by a security prime (p = .007, d = 0.49). No effect of the prime condition (security vs. neutral) was found on Anxiety and Avoidance. Further research is needed to examine the validity of the state interpretation of all DE-SAAM subscale scores.

Keywords

• state attachment style
• state attachment measure
• adult attachment
• validation