Home-Based Early Head Start plus Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up: A Qualitative Study of Implementation Outcomes

Elucidating factors that promote or hinder successful implementation of evidence-based practices in real-world settings is an essential component of intervention research. This qualitative study assessed implementation of an attachment-based parenting intervention, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), delivered in the context of federal Early Head Start (EHS) home visiting services, from the perspectives of EHS home visitors and ABC parent coaches. Findings demonstrated that the EHS plus ABC model was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible from the perspective of both the EHS home visitors and the ABC parent coaches. Home visitors described important ways in which ABC enhanced EHS, such as through its emphasis on strengthening child-parent attachment and its use of video feedback. EHS home visitors and parent coaches suggested specific improvements for this enhanced model that will inform future program implementation and research.

Automated summary

This study assessed the implementation of an attachment-based parenting intervention from the perspectives of home visitors and parent coaches. The findings demonstrated that the intervention was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible, and it enhanced the Early Head Start program. The study provided specific suggestions for improving the intervention in future implementations and research.