Program to strengthen parent-child attachment

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

Not applicable Interventional University of Maryland, College Park · NCT05834907

This study tests a parenting program designed to help parents build a stronger bond with their toddlers aged 8 to 36 months to improve their emotional health and reduce behavior issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment249 (estimated)
Ages8 Months and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Maryland, College Park Academic / other
Locations2 sites (College Park, Maryland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05834907 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of the Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P) intervention, aimed at fostering secure attachment between parents and their children aged 8 to 36 months. The study will involve 249 parent-child dyads enrolled in or eligible for Early Head Start programs in Harrisburg and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Through a randomized controlled trial design, the program seeks to enhance children's healthy physiological regulation and reduce behavior problems by promoting secure attachment. The intervention will be delivered in both English and Spanish to accommodate diverse participants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are parents of children aged 8 to 36 months who are enrolled or eligible for Early Head Start programs in Pennsylvania.

Not a fit: Parents who are not fluent in the language of the intervention (Spanish or English) may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve parent-child relationships and promote healthier developmental outcomes for children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with similar attachment-focused interventions, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Parents whose children (age 8 to 36 months) are enrolled or are eligible to be enrolled in Harrisburg PA and Lehigh Valley PA Early Head Start programs

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parents who are not sufficiently fluent in the language in which COS-P intervention will be conducted (Spanish or English)

Where this trial is running

College Park, Maryland and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parent-Child RelationsDevelopment, InfantParentingDevelopment, ChildAttachmentHome VisitingEarly Intervention
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.