Improving child attachment and behavior through parenting support
Official title: Prevention of Attachment Insecurity, Physiological Dysregulation, and Child Behavior Problems
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10857347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special program called Circle of Security – Parenting can help parents and caregivers of young children, especially those facing tough situations, to build stronger emotional connections and support their kids' healthy development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $634,498 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD105676-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10857347 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are families with children aged 0-11 years who are enrolled in Early Head Start programs and are experiencing stressors such as low income or parental mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Families with children who are not enrolled in Early Head Start programs or those who do not face significant stressors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing secure attachment and sensitive caregiving in children aged 0-11 years, particularly those in stressful environments. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Circle of Security – Parenting (COS-P) intervention within Early Head Start programs, which support families facing challenges such as low income and parental depression. By implementing a randomized controlled trial, the study seeks to prevent insecure attachment and related behavioral issues in children. Families participating in this intervention will receive guidance and support to foster healthier emotional and behavioral development in their children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved emotional and behavioral health outcomes for children at risk of attachment insecurity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar interventions aimed at improving attachment and reducing behavioral problems in children.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cassidy, Jude a — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Cassidy, Jude a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Prevention of Attachment Insecurity and Related Child Problems in Early Head Start
A structured program tests whether teaching caregivers in high-risk families to respond sensitively can improve attachment, regulate physiology, and reduce behavior problems in young children.
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Supporting secure attachment and healthy stress responses in young children
A parenting program called Circle of Security–Parenting will be offered to families with young children in Early Head Start to help prevent insecure attachment, stress-related health problems, and behavior issues.
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Supporting families to prevent child behavior challenges and promote healthy development
This project helps families in Early Head Start programs learn ways to support their children's emotional security and prevent behavior challenges.
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Improving secure attachment and reducing behavior problems in young children
This study is looking at how to help families with young children, especially those facing challenges like low income and stress, by using a special program called Circle of Security – Parenting to strengthen their relationships and support their kids' emotional well-being.
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Feel Good life skills program to boost school climate and well-being in French 4th–5th graders
This intervention tests whether a playful, interactive life skills program can improve school climate and children's well-being in French 4th and 5th graders.
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Teacher-delivered mental health support for K–8 students in North Carolina
This project tests whether training elementary and middle school teachers in North Carolina to deliver brief mental health support can help K–8 students with depression, anxiety, or behavior problems.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.