The Effectivness of Attachment-Based Therapy for New Parents with Adverse Childhood Experinces
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Authors
Lesburg, Katelyn
Issue Date
2025-12-18
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
adverse childhood experiences (ACES) , attachment , attachment-based therapy , intergenerational transmission , interventions , insecure attachment , new parents , parenting
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to identify the specific challenges that arise for new parents with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) histories and to subsequently examine the relevance of attachment-based therapy to assist these individuals in their new parental roles. ACEs are strongly linked to long-term mental health consequences that are associated with intergenerational impacts on parenting and child development. Despite their broad effects, current interventions for parents with ACE histories remain broad in approach and limited in efficacy. This literature review examines the effectiveness of attachment-based therapy in supporting positive parenting among new parents with ACEs. Recent research was synthesized to explore how ACE exposure shapes parental functioning and how attachment-based interventions may address these challenges. Thematic analysis identified key areas of impairment, including deficits in executive functioning, emotional regulation, and reflective capacity, which influence parent-child dynamics. These outcomes are further shaped by cultural and contextual factors and moderated by Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Evidence from existing studies suggests that Attachment-Based Therapy shows promise in fostering secure attachments, reducing parental stress, and supporting more adaptive parent-child relationships. Clinicians are encouraged to consider clients’ intersectional experiences and integrate attachment-based therapy with other approaches to provide holistic, trauma-informed care.
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Citation
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License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess