Title
Enhancing Attachment Organization Among Maltreated Children: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Date
2012
Author(s)
Kristin Bernard, Mary Dozier, Johanna Bick, Erin Lewis-Morrarty, Oliver Lindheim, and Elizabeth Carlson
Brief Type
Journal Publication
Model(s)
- Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up (ABC)
Description
Young children who have experienced early adversity are at risk for developing disorganized attachments. The efficacy of Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), an intervention targeting nurturing care among parents identified as being at risk for neglecting their young children, was evaluated through a randomized clinical trial. Attachment quality was assessed in the Strange Situation for 120 children between 11.7 and 31.9 months of age (M= 19.1,SD= 5.5). Children in the ABC intervention showed significantly lower rates of disorganized attachment (32%) and higher rates of secure attachment (52%) relative to the control intervention (57% and 33%, respectively). These results support the efficacy of the ABC intervention in enhancing attachment quality among parents at high risk for maltreatment. (author abstract)
Data Collection Methods
- Home Visit Observations
- Parent-child observations
- Standardized assessment tools
Status
Finished
For More Information
Bernard, K., Dozier, M., Bick, J., Lewis‐Morrarty, E., Lindhiem, O., & Carlson, E. (2012). Enhancing attachment organization among maltreated children: Results of a randomized clinical trial. Child Development, 83(2), 623-636. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2011.01712.x
Author Contact Information:
Kristin Bernard
kbernard@psych.udel.edu
Topics
- Participant, Family, and Program Outcomes