Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC)
Problems addressed
Low social–emotional competences
Effectiveness

Effective

.

.

.

.

.

Effective

Want to know more about this classification? Check out our methodological manual.

Life periods served
Children (4 to 13 years)
Where the program was applied
Residence / home
Country of application
United States
Description

This is a program to train parents and adult caregivers in the promotion of a secure attachment style with young children, as a secure attachment style is associated with better social and emotional outcomes for children and a reduced likelihood of neglect or mistreatment in parenting.
The intervention consists of information sessions to teach adults to behave in a protective way when children show distress; to follow their child’s steps, making sure they behave calmly and without distress; and to avoid behaving in a way that frightens children.
The sessions are videotaped to highlight strengths and challenges, and to reinforce changes parent behavior.
The video sessions are also used for supervision purposes.

Impact evaluations

A quasi-experimental impact evaluation showed a significantly higher number of reports of secure attachment and reduced indicators of disorganized attachment, including manifestations of behavioral and emotional problems [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Bernard, K., Dozier, M., Bick, J., Lewis-Morrarty, E., Lindhiem, O. & Carlson, E. (2012). Enhancing attachment organization among maltreated children: Results of a randomized clinical trial. Child Development, 83(2), 623–636. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2011.01712.x

Information source