Peer-reviewed article
Parents' experiences with the Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) intervention - a scoping review of qualitative studies.
Kirsten Gudbjørg Øen, Veronica Velde Wold, Hanne Cecilie Braarud, Ingvild Sundfør Rasmussen ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This scoping review synthesized 16 qualitative studies on parents' experiences with the Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) intervention, a parenting program delivered across various healthcare and welfare settings. Parents reported that COSP supported their self-reflection and understanding of the parenting role, though the process was sometimes emotionally demanding. Parents observed positive changes in their children and improvements in parent-child interactions, and most recommended the program to others. The review suggests COSP has potential as a health-promoting intervention but may need adaptations for use with groups outside its original target population.
Key points
- Parents experienced COSP as increasing their self-understanding and security in the parenting role
- Parents reported the COSP processes were emotionally demanding
- Parents assessed COSP as having a positive impact on their children and improving parent-child interaction
- Parents found COSP useful for everyday life and recommended it to others
- The program may require adaptations when used with non-target groups
Limitations
This is a scoping review of qualitative studies focused on parental perceptions and experiences rather than objective child outcomes. The review does not provide information on the effectiveness of COSP in improving measurable child well-being indicators or developmental outcomes.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Research on the Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) program is limited. AIMS: The current study was performed to map and synthesize the existing qualitative literature on parents' experiences of participating in the COSP to address gaps in the current knowledge base. METHODS: A scoping review was carried out. Sixteen qualitative studies with samples from well-baby clinics, community health care, child welfare services, specialist mental health care services for children, and specialist mental health care for adults were included in this review. The sample included 172 informants, mostly women. RESULTS: Thematic content analysis found three main themes and eight sub-themes. Theme 1: Parents' journey of self-reflection, self-development, learning and understanding of the parenting role. Sub-theme: (1a) COSP as a source of increased self-understanding and security in the parenting role, (1b) emotionally demanding processes for parents. Theme 2: COSP, a source of changes in the child and parent‒child relationship and interaction with others. Sub-theme: (2a) COSP assessed as having a positive impact on the child. (2b) COSP assessed as improving parent‒child interaction. (2c) COSP as a source of conflict resolution. Theme 3: COSP is assessed as positive, yet sometimes adaptations are needed. Sub-theme: (3a) Parents experience the COSP as useful for their everyday lives and recommend the program to other parents. (3b) Parents have comments and suggestions regarding the implementation of the COSP. (3c) The COSP is recommended by parents outside the target group, but adaptations are required. CONCLUSIONS: The review shows that parents find the COSP intervention to have valuable potential as a health-promoting intervention, but the program should be used with careful consideration to non-target groups.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
- Intervention
- Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) program - a parenting intervention delivered across well-baby clinics, community health care, child welfare services, and specialist mental health care services
- Population
- 172 informants (mostly women) from well-baby clinics, community health care, child welfare services, specialist mental health care services for children, and specialist mental health care for adults
Key finding
Parents reported increased self-understanding and security in the parenting role
Øen et al. · PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) · 20 Mar 2026