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Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up: addressing the needs of infants and toddlers exposed to inadequate or problematic caregiving

Current Opinion in PsychologyPublished 7 March 2017Open access
Mary Dozier, Kristin Bernard
Citations126
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TL;DR

Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up is a 10-session home visiting program developed to enhance parental sensitivity that has been shown effective in enhancing parental sensitivity, and enhancing children's attachment security and regulatory capabilities.

Abstract

Parental sensitivity is key to the development of brain architecture, self-regulatory capabilities, and secure, organized attachments for infants and young children. For a variety of reasons, many parents struggle providing sensitive, responsive care. Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) is a 10-session home visiting program developed to enhance parental sensitivity. ABC has been shown effective in enhancing parental sensitivity, and enhancing children's attachment security and regulatory capabilities. A key feature of the intervention is providing parents practice and feedback in interacting sensitively with their children. Effectiveness in dissemination sites has been impressive, likely because treatment fidelity is defined well and monitored carefully.

Keywords

PsychologyMedicine