Efficacy of the Circle of Security Intervention: A Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

The Circle of Security (COS) intervention aims to teach caregivers to become more responsive to their children’s needs. The present study is a meta-analysis that examined the efficacy of the COS intervention in relation to child attachment patterns, quality of caregiving, caregiver self-efficacy, and caregiver depression. Studies were eligible if they carried out a version of the COS intervention and provided quantitative data amenable to meta-analysis. A total of 10 studies were determined eligible for this meta-analysis. A random effects model was used and Hedge’s g was calculated for the overall effect sizes. Results indicated a medium effect size for the efficacy of the intervention for child attachment security (g = 0.65, p = .003, k = 4), quality of caregiving (g = 0.60, p = .012, k = 4) and reduction of caregiver depression (g = 0.53, p < .001, k = 3). There was a significant large effect for improved caregiver self-efficacy (g = 0.98, p < .001, k = 2). Results suggest that while the efficacy of the COS intervention demonstrates promising results, more research is needed.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amber Yaholkoski

Amber Yaholkoski completed this research as a requirement for her undergraduate honours psychology degree at the University of Manitoba. She graduated May 2015 with her B.A. (Hons) in Psychology and currently works as an Autism Tutor.Kylee Hurl is a doctoral level graduate student. She is enrolled in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Manitoba.Dr. Jennifer Theule is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Manitoba. She is director of the Family and Developmental Psychopathology Lab.

Kylee Hurl

Amber Yaholkoski completed this research as a requirement for her undergraduate honours psychology degree at the University of Manitoba. She graduated May 2015 with her B.A. (Hons) in Psychology and currently works as an Autism Tutor.Kylee Hurl is a doctoral level graduate student. She is enrolled in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Manitoba.Dr. Jennifer Theule is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Manitoba. She is director of the Family and Developmental Psychopathology Lab.

Jennifer Theule

Amber Yaholkoski completed this research as a requirement for her undergraduate honours psychology degree at the University of Manitoba. She graduated May 2015 with her B.A. (Hons) in Psychology and currently works as an Autism Tutor.Kylee Hurl is a doctoral level graduate student. She is enrolled in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Manitoba.Dr. Jennifer Theule is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Manitoba. She is director of the Family and Developmental Psychopathology Lab.