Improving secure attachment and reducing behavior problems in young children
Official title: Prevention of Attachment Insecurity, Physiological Dysregulation, and Child Behavior Problems
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11090140 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | August 23, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $72,925 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HD105676-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090140 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are families with children aged 0-11 years who are enrolled in Early Head Start programs and facing challenges such as low income or parental mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Families not enrolled in Early Head Start programs or those with children outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to prevent insecure attachment and related behavior problems in children aged 0-11 years. It focuses on implementing the Circle of Security – Parenting (COS-P) intervention within Early Head Start programs, targeting families at risk due to factors like low income and parental stress. By evaluating this intervention, the research aims to enhance children's emotional and behavioral health through improved caregiving practices. Families participating in this program will receive support and resources to foster secure attachments and mitigate adverse effects on child development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to healthier emotional and behavioral outcomes for children at risk of developing attachment issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using attachment-based interventions like COS-P, indicating potential for success in this approach.
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 child attachment and behavior through parenting support
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.
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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.