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Developing self-regulation in a dysregulating world: Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up for a toddler in foster

Steven D Imrisek1, Katerina Castaño2, Kristin Bernard1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University.

Journal of Clinical Psychology
|May 17, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Foster toddlers often experience trauma, risking attachment issues. The Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up for Toddlers in Foster Care (ABC-T) program supports foster parents in nurturing children and managing distress for better regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Attachment Theory

Background:

  • Toddlers in foster care frequently have histories of maltreatment and caregiver disruptions.
  • These experiences increase the risk for disorganized attachment and dysregulation in young children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up for Toddlers in Foster Care (ABC-T) intervention.
  • To support foster parents in promoting secure attachment and emotional regulation in toddlers.
  • To outline the theoretical basis, evidence, and clinical application of ABC-T.

Main Methods:

  • The ABC-T model focuses on supporting foster parents in responding nurturantly to child distress.
  • Key components include following the child's lead and assisting with self-regulation during overwhelming moments.
  • A case example illustrates typical intervention progress, emphasizing real-time observation and commentary on parent-child interactions.

Main Results:

  • The intervention aims to enhance foster parents' capacity to provide sensitive, responsive caregiving.
  • Focus on biobehavioral regulation supports toddlers in managing distress and improving attachment security.
  • The case example demonstrates the practical application and potential benefits of the ABC-T approach.

Conclusions:

  • ABC-T offers a structured approach to address the unique needs of toddlers in foster care.
  • The intervention supports foster parents in building secure attachments and promoting healthy biobehavioral development.
  • Challenges in delivering attachment-based interventions within the foster care system are acknowledged.

Keywords:
attachmentfoster careself-regulationtoddlers

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