Supporting families to prevent child behavior challenges and promote healthy development

Prevention of Attachment Insecurity, Physiological Dysregulation, and Child Behavior Problems

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · NIH-11136874

This project helps families in Early Head Start programs learn ways to support their children's emotional security and prevent behavior challenges.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK (nih funded)
Locations1 site (COLLEGE PARK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11136874 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project explores how a program called Circle of Security – Parenting (COS-P) can help families. We know that strong, secure bonds between children and caregivers are vital for a child's well-being, especially in stressful situations. When these bonds are not secure, children might face more behavior challenges or physical health issues. This program aims to teach parents and caregivers skills to build secure attachments, which could prevent these difficulties and support children's healthy growth. The goal is to provide a widely usable approach to support children's healthy development.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children and families participating in Early Head Start programs, especially those facing challenges like low income or parental depression, are the focus of this work.

Not a fit: Children who have already developed severe behavioral problems or are not in the early childhood age range targeted by this prevention program may not directly benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could offer a proven way for families to foster secure attachments and reduce behavior problems in children, leading to better mental and physical health.

How similar studies have performed: While some approaches to preventing insecure attachment have shown promise, this specific intervention aims to achieve widespread implementation and is being rigorously tested.

Where this research is happening

COLLEGE PARK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.