Differential effects of the circle of security-parenting programme on infant-mother attachment: The role of infant temperament.

BACKGROUND

Infant negative emotionality (NE) may increase the risk of insecure-resistant attachment, particularly amid postpartum depression, but may also heighten receptivity to intervention. This secondary study tested whether infant NE moderates the effect of Circle of Security Parenting™ (COSP™) on infant-mother attachment.

METHOD: In a randomized trial (N = 297) involving dyads with maternal depression and/or infant social withdrawal, infant-mother attachment was assessed at 12-16 months; Infant NE was measured at 2-4 months.

RESULTS

Higher infant NE increased the risk of insecure-resistant attachment. NE moderated intervention effects: COSP™ reduced insecure-resistant attachment among high-NE infants.

DISCUSSION: Findings support a diathesis-stress framework: High-NE infants may be more vulnerable to caregiver strain but also more responsive to COSP™.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.govID: NCT02497677.