The Development of a Children’s Book Designed to Use Bibliotherapy and Mindfulness Skills to Promote Interoception in Young Children with Insecure Attachment as a Result of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Author

Zenaida AgramonteFollow

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

Department

Counseling and School Psychology

First Advisor

Linda Webster

First Committee Member

Laura Aguada-Hallberg

Second Committee Member

Rachel Hallquist

Abstract

One third of children in the United States have experienced trauma known in the literature as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The long-term outcomes of ACEs have a higher likelihood of reducing interoceptive awareness—the ability to sense internal body signals like heart rate, hunger, pain, and emotions. Research suggests that interventions, such as mindfulness and attachment therapies are useful for increasing interoceptive awareness, regulating emotions, and fostering secure attachment in adults. However, apart from attachment, interventions are lacking for young children. Bibliotherapy is one such intervention designed for young children which potentially fosters secure attachment between child and adult storytellers and interoceptive awareness in young children. This researcher examined the concepts of ACEs in children, interoception, insecure attachment, and incorporated mindfulness techniques to inform the development of a storybook for children 3-5 years old. When a draft of the storyline was completed, experts in the field of attachment, interoception, trauma treatment, learning and cognition, and early childhood education were consulted, and their feedback was integrated into the final draft of the storybook. The manuscript reflects a synthesis of the research and creative storytelling aimed at promoting interoceptive awareness in young children.

Pages

107

Recommended Citation

Agramonte, Zenaida. (2025). The Development of a Children’s Book Designed to Use Bibliotherapy and Mindfulness Skills to Promote Interoception in Young Children with Insecure Attachment as a Result of Adverse Childhood Experiences. University of the Pacific, Dissertation. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/4300