Factor structure of the quality of early relationships rating scale (QuERRS-2): Attachment representations predict case severity and length of psychological therapy in a community learning disabilities team

Abstract

We present the construct validity of the Quality of Early Relationships Rating Scale (2nd version; QuERRS-2) and its relationship to outcomes of psychotherapy. Principal components analysis (PCA) from 103 participants generated three factors explaining 61% of the variance; (1) hostile incoherence (HI), (2) unresolved interpersonal pain (IP), and (3) fearful preoccupation (FP). HI was correlated with initial case severity. IP was correlated with initial severity and the number of therapy sessions. FP was correlated with the amount of positive change in therapy and the number of sessions required. IQ, age, and gender did not predict QuERRS-2 scores. Limitations and implications of the study are discussed. The scale and a scoring guide are included.Easy to read summary■How we feel about the people we grew up with can affect our later feelings and relationships.■We developed a scale for psychologists. This scale is called the QuERRS-2. Psychologists might use the QuERRS-2 to explore feelings and relationships.■The QuERRS-2 seems to tell us something about;our childhood family,how serious psychological problems can be,how many times a person might see a psychologist to get help.