Research Library

This study investigated the link between a foster carer's ability to mentalize and how this impacted on the emotional regulation of a child they care for. It used detailed analysis of video recordings of interactions between one foster carer and one child in their care. This study used data from a project called the Relationship Stories study, that is part of the Reflective Fostering Study funded by the NIHR.

This trial is the first experimental study of a family therapeutic intervention based on attachment theory for foster families within the Scandinavian context.

This trial is the first experimental study of a family therapeutic intervention based on attachment theory for foster families within the Scandinavian context. Authors: Thorup Dalgaard, N., Villumsen, A.M.A., Sørensen, K.M., Midgley, N., Væver, M.S., Almlund M., & Pontoppidan, M. (2023).

The purpose of this study is to describe the development of the 14-item reflective fostering fidelity rating (RFFR), an observational rating system to evaluate model fidelity of group facilitators in the Reflective Fostering Programme (RFP), a mentalisation-based psychoeducation programme to support foster carers. Authors: Midgley, N., Cirasola, A., Sprecher, E.A., Redfern, S., Wright, H., Rider, B. & Martin, P. (2023).

One of the most well-documented sequelae of early maltreatment and institutionalisation is attachment problems, including behaviours under the labels of reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED). Despite growing evidence of the neurobiological effects of institutionalisation, the neural correlates of these behavioural patterns are largely unknown. Authors: Oliveira, P. S., Fearon, P, Belsky, J., Mesquita, A., Sampaio, A., Pinal, D., Soares, I. (2022).

This article sets out the rationale for the Reflective Fostering Programme (RFP), outlines its key elements and concludes by indicating future service implementation and a planned feasibility study examining this approach. Authors: Redfern, S., Wood, S., Lassri, D., Cirasola, A., West, G., Austerberry, C., Luyten, P., Fonagy, P., Midgley, N. (2018).

The study aimed to modify an existing parenting intervention for children with reactive attachment disorder (RAD) in the UK foster care setting, and test the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the modified intervention. Authors: Oliveira, P., et al. (2022).

Research suggests that supporting the carer-child relationship, by promoting the carer’s reflective parenting, may be an effective approach to improving the wellbeing of these children. Authors: Midgley, N., Irvine, K., Rider, B. et al. (2021).

Children in care, whose early experiences have often involved significant discontinuity and adversity, are at risk of developing insecure attachments with negative internal representations. This study aimed to explore changes in their internal representations over a one-year period, as well as potential factors that could influence them. Authors: Hillman, S., Villegas, C., Anderson, K., Kerr-Davis, A., & Cross, R. (2022).