Résultats de recherche

1. Objectifs

Intentions :
This study « [...] evaluates the efficacy of a short-term attachment-based intervention with maltreating parents and their children using a randomized control trial design. » (p. 198)

Questions/Hypothèses :
« We tested the following hypotheses: at posttest, in comparison with the control group, the intervention group will show an increase in parental sensitivity, an increase in the proportion of children showing secure (B) versus insecure (A, C, and D combined) attachment to the caregiver, and a decrease in the proportion of children showing disorganized (D) versus organized (B, A, and C combined) attachment. We also examined secondary effects of the intervention with respect to child behavior problems. We hypothesized that the intervention would act as a protective factor in decreasing the vulnerability of maltreated children to the development of behavior problems. Because of the inclusion of a wide age range of children in the study, we also examined the moderating role of child age on outcome measures. » (p. 198)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
The sample consisted of 67 caregiver-child dyads. Of this number, 35 dyads were assigned to the intervention group, while the rest constituted the control group.

Instruments :
- Maternal Behavioral Q-Sort (MBQS; Pederson & Moran, 1995)
- Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000)
- Strange Situation Procedure (Ainsworth et al., 1978)

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

« This is the first study to demonstrate that a short-term (8 weeks) intervention designed to enhance parental sensitivity and child attachment can be effective with parents who have been reported for child abuse and/or neglect. In addition, this is one of the first studies to demonstrate the efficacy of an attachment-based intervention program that included children in the postinfancy period using a randomized control design with pre- and posttest assessments on all dependent variables. Our results indicated that the intervention was effective in enhancing parental sensitivity, improving child security of attachment, and reducing disorganization for children in the early childhood period (12–71 months). This is especially important because the majority of maltreatment intervention programs in child welfare agencies are designed for similarly wide age ranges (e.g., early childhood, adolescence). » (p. 205)