A methodology primer for conducting bonding studies in child custody evaluations: Integration with neuroscience

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive protocol for conducting bonding studies in custody evaluations, performing developmentally specific tasks for parent and child, scoring systems, as well as data collection methods. These systems are evidence based and grounded in the research literature. The author’s experience of over 20 years in conducting bonding studies in a variety of settings is applied to bonding protocols in child custody evaluations. The work of this chapter is provided in response to the inquiries of many psychologists for a standardized, objective approach to bonding studies.