Work

Intervening to enhance cortisol regulation among children at risk for neglect: Results of a randomized clinical trial

Year: 2014

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is particularly sensitive to conditions of maltreatment. In particular, neglected children have shown a flatter slope with lower wake-up values relative to nonneglected children. An intervention, the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up (ABC), was developed to enhance biological and behavioral regulation in young children at risk for neglect. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed in a randomized clinical trial for children with involvement with Child Protective Services. Following the intervention, children receiving the ABC intervention (n = 49) showed more typical cortisol production, with higher wake-up cortisol values and a steeper diurnal slope, than children receiving the control intervention (n = 51). These results suggest that the ABC intervention is effective in enhancing biological regulation.

Source: Development and Psychopathology

DOI: 10.1017/s095457941400073x

Authors: Kristin Bernard, Mary Dozier, Johanna Bick, M. Kathleen Gordon

Institutions: Stony Brook University, University of Delaware, Boston Children's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health