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The Effectiveness of an Attachment-focused Treatment Model in a Therapeutic Preschool for Abused Children

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Abstract

Child maltreatment is associated with detrimental developmental effects. In view of the fact that child maltreatment typically occurs within the context of a caretaking relationship, attachment theory can give us insight into the nature of difficulties experienced by survivors. Therapeutic preschool has been found effective in addressing developmental problems in abused children. This study examines the effectiveness of an attachment-based therapeutic preschool for maltreated children. Means tests indicate that, at the time of discharge, the children being served had made significant overall developmental gains as well as significant gains in the personal–social and adaptive domains of development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social Work, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, 231 Butterfield Hall, Edinboro, PA, 16444, USA

    Karen Stubenbort

  2. Clinical Consultant in Private Practice, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Meredith M. Cohen

  3. Family Resources Therapeutic Parent and Children’s Center, Pittsburg, PA, USA

    Veronica Trybalski

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  1. Karen Stubenbort
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  2. Meredith M. Cohen
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  3. Veronica Trybalski
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Correspondence to Karen Stubenbort.

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Stubenbort, K., Cohen, M.M. & Trybalski, V. The Effectiveness of an Attachment-focused Treatment Model in a Therapeutic Preschool for Abused Children. Clin Soc Work J 38, 51–60 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-007-0107-3

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