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Less is more: Meta-analyses of sensitivity and attachment interventions in early childhood.

Marian J. Bakermans‐Kranenburg, Marinus H. van IJzendoorn, Femmie Juffer

Psychological Bulletin· 2003-03-01· article· 1,883 citationsclosed

Attachment and Relationship Dynamics Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Abstract

Is early preventive intervention effective in enhancing parental sensitivity and infant attachment security, and if so, what type of intervention is most successful? Seventy studies were traced, producing 88 intervention effects on sensitivity (n = 7,636) and/or attachment (n = 1,503). Randomized interventions appeared rather effective in changing insensitive parenting (d = 0.33) and infant attachment insecurity (d = 0.20). The most effective interventions used a moderate number of sessions and a clear-cut behavioral focus in families with, as well as without, multiple problems. Interventions that were more effective in enhancing parental sensitivity were also more effective in enhancing attachment security, which supports the notion of a causal role of sensitivity in shaping attachment.

Cite this

Marian J. Bakermans‐Kranenburg, Marinus H. van IJzendoorn, Femmie Juffer (2003). Less is more: Meta-analyses of sensitivity and attachment interventions in early childhood.. Psychological Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.2.195

@article{j2003less,
  title  = {Less is more: Meta-analyses of sensitivity and attachment interventions in early childhood.},
  author = {Bakermans‐Kranenburg, Marian J. and IJzendoorn, Marinus H. van and Juffer, Femmie},
  year   = {2003},
  journal = {Psychological Bulletin},
  doi    = {10.1037/0033-2909.129.2.195}
}

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