The adolescent attachment questionnaire (AAQ) is designed to measure adolescent attachment patterns through three components: availability, goal-corrected partnership, and angry-distress. To date there has not been a confirmatory factor analysis conducted to determine the fit of data to this theoretical model on a UK sample. This study aimed to assess the construct validity of the AAQ through cognitive interviews and a confirmatory factor analysis. Participants were adolescents aged between 12 and 16. Results from the cognitive interviews indicated that participants could correctly interpret the items. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit of data to a three-factor model. Therefore, it can be concluded that the AAQ is a valid measure for attachment patterns in adolescents, provided that attachment is approached as a three-factor concept
