Changes in parenting representations following Circle of Security‐Parenting (COS‐P) at an Australian Early Parenting Center

Abstract

The Circle of Security‐Parenting program (COS‐P) is a widely disseminated attachment and mentalization‐informed parenting intervention. Outcome studies, however, have yielded mixed results and its effectiveness for parents from different demographic groups is largely unknown. This study examined the outcomes of COS‐P and explored parent demographics (mother/father status and education). Participants were 117 parents who attended COS‐P at an Australian Early Parenting Center. The Composite Caregiving Questionnaire (CCQ) assessed caregiving representations (self‐efficacy regarding emotion/affection and empathy/understanding, hostility, caregiving helplessness, and parental reflective functioning). Outcomes were analyzed using a mixed model repeated measures design. Results revealed significant post‐intervention improvement on all CCQ domains, with some demographic differences. Fathers reported a greater rate of improvement in parental self‐efficacy regarding empathy and understanding compared to mothers, after starting from a lower level. There were no differences in any outcomes between parents who were university‐educated and those who were not. Findings provide further evidence that COS‐P improves caregiving representations, but there may be some differences for mothers and fathers.