Evidence of the application of the circle of security intervention in improving the mental health of parents and children

Abstract

The circle of security (COS) intervention, based on attachment theory, has been widely applied across different cultures and populations globally, achieving remarkable results. By enhancing caregivers′ sensitivity and responsiveness to children′s emotional needs, the COS intervention not only improves the relationship between children and caregivers, strengthens children′s attachment security, socio-emotional functioning, and behavioral regulation abilities, but also significantly increases caregivers′ sensitivity, reduces their stress levels, improves their emotional regulation abilities, and enhances their self-efficacy and reflective capacity.The evidence suggests that when adapted for specific cultural contexts—specifically within China, considering its mental health needs—localized COS interventions can play a vital role in fostering secure attachment in children and fortifying parent-child relationships.

Keywords

secure circle intervention / parental sensitivity / self-efficacy / child attachment