Factor analysis of the Spanish version of the Q-Set Attachment Questionnaire

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61708/kqr42836

Keywords:

attachment, child preschool, psychometrics, adaptation

Abstract

Introduction: The Attachment Q-set Version 3.0 (AQS) is an instrument that allows for the evaluation of individual differences in attachment security during the preschool stage.

Objective: To determine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Attachment Q-Set (AQS) 3.0 adapted to Ecuador, through the analysis of its factorial structure, validity, and reliability in Ecuadorian children aged 1 to 5 years.

Methodology: This was an observational, descriptive, and correlational study with a quantitative approach. It was conducted at a single site using non-probability sampling. Data were collected from 71 families through institutional records from public and private Comprehensive Diagnostic Centers (CDIs), as well as UDIPSAI. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega.

Results: The model showed poor fit (SRMR = 0.123; RMSEA = 0.101, 95% CI [0.093–0.109]; CFI = 0.486; TLI = 0.445). Significant loadings were found for key items such as I77 (0.73) and I18 (0.85; p < .001). Internal consistency was excellent for the total scale (α = 0.87; ω = 0.88), though subscale reliability varied (e.g., Z: α = 0.80; V: α = 0.30).

Conclusions: Despite limitations in model fit and subscale consistency, the Spanish version of AQS 3.0 adapted to the Ecuadorian context demonstrated high overall reliability, supporting its future use in attachment assessment in children under 5 years of age.

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Author Biographies

  • José Alejandro Valdevila Figueira, Universidad Tecnológica Ecotec

    MD, MSc, is a psychiatrist with advanced training in psychiatry from the University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba. He currently serves as the Head of Hospitalization at the Instituto de Neurociencias de la Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil, where he leads psychiatric care and clinical operations.

    Dr. Valdevila Figueira is an accomplished researcher specializing in mental health, with a strong focus on substance use disorders, depression, and cognitive impairment. He has contributed extensively to the field through numerous peer-reviewed publications and participation in international conferences.

    In addition to his clinical and research roles, Dr. Valdevila Figueira is a university professor at Universidad ECOTEC in Samborondón, Ecuador, where he mentors students in psychiatry and neuroscience. His commitment to mental health care, research, and education highlights his impactful contributions to the field.

  • Pedro Carlos Martínez Suarez, International University of La Rioja

    PhD, is a clinical psychologist and esteemed academic specializing in schizophrenia research. He earned his doctorate in psychology and is a faculty member at two prestigious institutions: the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) and the Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), where he imparts his expertise to undergraduate and graduate students.

    Dr. Martínez Suárez has dedicated his career to advancing the understanding and treatment of schizophrenia, contributing to the field through his extensive research and publications. His work explores innovative approaches to clinical intervention and provides critical insights into the complexities of this mental health condition.

    As an author, he has written several books that combine scientific rigor with practical application, making complex psychological concepts accessible to a broader audience. His contributions to academia and clinical psychology have established him as a respected authority in his field.

  • Rocío Valdevila Santiesteban, Group for Research in Psychology and Psychiatry (GIPSI). Ecuador

    MD, MSc, is a distinguished general practitioner with a master’s degree in medical research from the Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR). She collaborates closely with the intensive care unit (ICU), contributing to the delivery of exceptional patient care and advancing critical care practices.

    Dr. Valdevila Santiesteban is also a prolific researcher, with numerous scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals. Her work emphasizes the application of evidence-based medicine to improve clinical outcomes. With a strong dedication to both research and practice, she is committed to fostering innovation and enhancing healthcare delivery.

  • Indira Dayana Carvajal Parra, Institute of Neurosciences of Guayaquil. Junta de Beneficencia, Ecuador

    MSc, is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist with extensive expertise in mental health. She is an accomplished researcher and the author of a book published by Editorial Pirámide, showcasing her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field.

    Dr. Carvajal Parra works in the hospitalization unit at the Instituto de Neurociencias de la Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil, where she provides specialized care to patients with complex mental health conditions. In addition to her clinical work, she conducts research focusing on mental health, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community.

    Beyond her institutional roles, she maintains a private practice and actively engages in science communication through social media, making psychological knowledge accessible to a broader audience. Her dedication to research, clinical excellence, and public outreach underscores her significant contributions to the field of mental health.

  • Luis Patricio Benenaula Vargas, Group for Research in Psychology and Psychiatry (GIPSI). Ecuador

    Is an organizational psychologist with a master’s degree in third-generation therapies. He specializes in mindfulness-based and values-driven therapeutic approaches. As a researcher and academic, he excels in data analysis, scientific writing, and mentoring future psychologists. Alongside his teaching and research, Luis Patricio manages a private practice, offering tailored solutions for individuals and organizations. He is committed to advancing psychological science through publications and contributions to the field.

  • María Belén Pineda Labanda, Universidad Católica de Cuenca

    María Belén Pineda Labanda is a dedicated professional currently completing her studies in Psychopedagogy and pursuing a postgraduate certification as a psychotherapist. Her academic background is complemented by hands-on experience providing care to vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities and those in situations of special protection. She has also worked for a year supporting individuals with problematic alcohol and substance use.

    María Belén has coordinated workshops and support groups, gaining valuable expertise in mental health operations management. Her commitment to fostering well-being and her practical experience highlight her dedication to addressing the needs of diverse populations in the field of mental health.

  • Ana Lucia Villazhiñay-Matute, Universidad Católica de Cuenca

    Ana Lucía Villazhiñay-Matute, MSc, is a clinical psychologist with a master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Psychotherapy. She also holds dual undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor’s in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Basic Education from the Universidad de Cuenca, and a degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the Universidad Católica de Cuenca.

    Ana Lucía has contributed significantly to academic literature, participating in the development of Chapter 1, Effective Psychological Treatments for Cluster A Personality Disorders, in the book Psychological Treatments for Personality Disorders II. An Approach to Therapeutic Models Adapted to the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 by Ediciones Pirámide.

    Her professional experience spans multiple disciplines. In psychology, she has led research projects such as Storybook (Familify Ec S.A.S.) and served as an assistant on the Nexus project, both under the Universidad Católica de Cuenca. She is currently engaged in research, furthering her contributions to mental health and psychological sciences.

    In addition, Ana Lucía applies her expertise as a pharmaceutical chemist in the quality control sector of the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, where she ensures compliance with rigorous standards. Her interdisciplinary background underscores her commitment to advancing both psychological and pharmaceutical sciences.

  • María José Pico Cucalón, Group for Research in Psychology and Psychiatry (GIPSI). Ecuador

    MSc, is a clinical psychologist with a master’s degree in Eating Disorders. She is a dedicated scientific researcher and clinician, committed to enhancing the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions.

    Currently, María José works at the Instituto de Neurociencias, where she leads and collaborates on research projects focused on improving mental health care. Her role as an investigator underscores her dedication to advancing evidence-based practices. Alongside her institutional work, she also maintains a private practice, offering personalized therapeutic support to her clients.

    María José's professionalism and passion for research and clinical excellence distinguish her as a key contributor to the fields of psychology and mental health.

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Published

2025-05-07

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Original article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Copyright: © Los autores. Publicado por Gaceta Médica JBG.

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How to Cite

1.
Valdevila Figueira JA, Martínez Suarez PC, Valdevila Santiesteban R, Carvajal Parra ID, Benenaula Vargas LP, Pineda Labanda MB, et al. Factor analysis of the Spanish version of the Q-Set Attachment Questionnaire. Gac Med JBG [Internet]. 2025 May 7 [cited 2026 Mar. 7];3(1):11-9. Available from: https://gacetamedicajbgmedec.biteca.online/index.php/GMJBG/article/view/38
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