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Changing toddlers' and preschoolers' attachment classifications: the Circle of Security intervention

Kent T Hoffman1, Robert S Marvin, Glen Cooper

  • 1Center for Clinical Intervention, Marycliff Institute, Spokane, WA 99204, USA. kenthoffman1422@comcast.net

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|December 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The Circle of Security intervention improved child attachment security in at-risk preschoolers. Most children shifted from disorganized to secure attachment classifications post-intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding caregiver-child relationships.
  • Disorganized attachment is associated with negative developmental outcomes.
  • Parenting interventions can positively influence attachment security.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the Circle of Security intervention's impact on child attachment classifications.
  • To assess changes in attachment from pre- to post-intervention.
  • To examine the intervention's effectiveness in a high-risk population.

Main Methods:

  • A group treatment modality based on attachment theory was used.
  • Participants included 65 toddler- and preschooler-caregiver dyads from Head Start programs.
  • Attachment classifications were assessed before and immediately after the intervention.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements in attachment classifications were observed.
  • A majority of children shifted from disorganized to organized (secure) attachment.
  • Few securely attached children became insecurely attached post-intervention.

Conclusions:

  • The Circle of Security intervention shows promise for reducing disorganized and insecure attachment.
  • The protocol is effective in promoting secure attachment in high-risk young children.
  • Attachment-based parent education and psychotherapy can yield positive results.

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