Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents
Published on: June 10, 2013
Protocol for modeling earned-secure attachment in rodents using the repeated cross-fostering procedure with a
Camilla Mancini1, Alice Passeri2, Matteo Di Segni3
1School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Macerata, Italy.
None:
An earned-secure attachment (ESA) from a significant alternative caregiver (SAC) can mitigate the negative effects of the alteration of attachment bond. This protocol models clinical ESA in rodents using the repeated cross-fostering procedure with a SAC (RCF+SAC). We describe steps for housing of mice, the mating procedure, isolation of pregnant dam, and SAC introduction. We then detail the preparation of materials and environment for the RCF+SAC procedure and its subsequent execution. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Mancini et al.1.
Related Concept Videos
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Attachment

