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Circle of Security-Parenting: A randomized controlled trial in Head Start
Jude Cassidy1, Bonnie E Brett1, Jacquelyn T Gross1
1University of Maryland at College Park.
Development and Psychopathology
|April 13, 2017
Summary
The Circle of Security-Parenting Intervention (COS-P) improved maternal supportiveness and child executive function in a low-income sample. Further research is needed to understand "what works for whom" in attachment interventions.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Attachment insecurity and disorganization are linked to psychopathology.
- Disseminating attachment interventions faces implementation challenges.
- The Circle of Security-Parenting Intervention (COS-P) aims for broad implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the COS-P in a low-income Head Start population.
- To examine the intervention's effects on maternal responsiveness, child attachment, executive functioning, and behavior problems.
- To explore moderators of intervention effects.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 141 mothers and their children.
- Intervention group received 10-week COS-P; control group was waitlisted.
- Outcomes assessed using the Strange Situation, maternal reports, and executive function tasks.
Main Results:
- COS-P mothers showed fewer unsupportive responses to child distress.
- Intervention children exhibited enhanced inhibitory control (executive function).
- No main effects for child attachment or behavior problems; exploratory analyses revealed moderated effects.
Conclusions:
- COS-P shows promise for improving maternal support and child executive function.
- Intervention effects appear moderated by maternal attachment style and depressive symptoms.
- Further research is crucial to identify specific intervention targets and optimize outcomes.