Bridging research and practice: Relational interventions for maltreated children

Date

2012

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Child and adolescent mental health

Abstract

Background: Research has consistently demonstrated the deleterious consequences of child maltreatment, not only during childhood but also across the life course. In particular, maltreatment negatively affects child attachment, with high percentages of maltreated children developing insecure or disorganized attachments with their primary caregiver. Therefore, interventions informed by attachment theory are important to prevent enduring relational difficulties. Scope: One such intervention, child–parent psychotherapy, has been shown to be efficacious in a number of randomized controlled trials. This article provides an overview of the evidence base for this intervention and the translation of this research into practice, particularly in community settings. Conclusion: Increasingly, it is imperative that such evidence-based models of intervention be translated into community settings so that the most vulnerable children and families can benefit from them. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, attachment, research, child-parent psychotherapy

Citation

Toth, S. L., & Gravener, J. (2012). Bridging research and practice: Relational interventions for maltreated children. Child and adolescent mental health, 17(3), 131-138.

DOI