1. Introduction
adversity, abuse and neglect [Impairments in parental RF, alcohol abuse, depression, trauma
DISORDERS
Early adversity (e.g., family violence, parental depression, low income) places children at risk for maltreatment and negatively impacts developmental outcomes. Optimal parental reflective function (RF), defined as the parent’s ability to think about and identify thoughts, feelings, and mental states in themselves and in their children, is linked to secure attachment and may protect against suboptimal outcomes. We present the results of Phase 2 randomized control trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies (QES) of the Attachment and Child Health (ATTACHEarly adversity (e.g., family violence, parental depression, low income) places children at risk for maltreatment, such as abuse and neglect [Impairments in parental RF are associated with insecure attachment and disorganization in infants and increased vulnerability to psychological disorders in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood [The ability of parents to be reflective during interactions with their children is often observed to be suboptimal in populations at risk for maltreatment, including those affected by parental histories of early trauma or adversity, current drug and alcohol abuse, psychopathology, and/or dysfunctional parenting [Parental RF appears modifiable [