Abstract
This study examined change in attachment-related behaviors among foster preschoolers participating in a randomized trial of the Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care Program for Preschoolers (MTFC-P). Measures of secure, resistant, and avoidant behaviors were collected using a caregiver-report diary at 3-month intervals during the 12 months following a new foster placement. Children randomly assigned to the MTFC-P intervention condition (n∈=∈57) showed significant increases in secure behavior and significant decreases in avoidant behavior relative to children assigned to a regular foster care condition (n∈=∈60). Both groups showed significant decreases in resistant behavior over time. Analyses also revealed a significant interaction between treatment condition and age at first foster placement on change in secure behavior. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of early intervention and prevention services for foster preschoolers.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 161-170 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Prevention Science |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 Jun |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Acknowledgements Support for this manuscript was provided by the following grants: P20 DA017592, NIDA, U.S. PHS; and R01 MH059780, NIMH, U.S. PHS. The authors thank the staff and families of the Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care for Preschoolers, Kristen Greenley for project management, Mary Dozier for consultation on use of the Attachment Diary, and Matthew Rabel for editorial assistance.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
