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oai:figshare.com:article/32641575 2026-10-01T16:22:10Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Foundations for attachment for children in care: a feasibility and acceptability study of a group-based caregiver programme Brid O'Connell (24170079) PUREID: 650293037 Foundations for attachment foster care foster carers Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Background: Children in care are socially vulnerable due to their adverse early experiences. Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is a promising intervention for these children, yet empirical support is limited. This study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of the ‘Foundations for Attachment’, a DDP-informed group intervention for foster carers. <br><br>Methods: This mixed methods study did not use a control group. Recruitment, retention and completion rates of outcomes measures, as well as participant feedback, were used to evaluate feasibility and acceptability. Standardised outcome measures were completed at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Descriptive statistics and the Reliable Change Index were used to evaluate the suitability of the measures. Brief content analysis was used to evaluate open-ended qualitative questions related to the acceptability of the intervention. <br><br>Results: There was substantial attrition from the opt-in to the completion of the baseline measures, with further attrition at the post-intervention and follow-up time points. Content analysis of participant feedback suggested the intervention was acceptable, although outcome measures were identified as time-consuming. The outcome measures were ineffective in capturing individual-level change.<br>Conclusions: This feasibility study highlights key challenges in recruitment and retention that must be addressed in future trials. The outcome measures used in this study warrant reconsideration in a future trial. Intervention research of this kind is important as targeted interventions for this group are needed. <br><br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31st December 2028.</i> 2026-10-01T16:22:10Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32641575.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Foundations_for_attachment_for_children_in_care_a_feasibility_and_acceptability_study_of_a_group-based_caregiver_programme/32641575 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2028-12-31