BlendedRoots is grounded in peer-reviewed research. Here are the key sources across each domain.
Attachment and Loss, Vol. 1: Attachment
1969Bowlby, J. — Basic Books
Foundational theory establishing that children need a secure base with a primary caregiver for healthy development.
Attachment-Focused Parenting
2009Hughes, D. A. — Norton
Practical application of attachment theory — PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) for foster and adoptive parents.
The Whole-Brain Child
2011Siegel, D. & Bryson, T. — Delacorte Press
12 strategies to nurture a child's developing mind by integrating the left/right and upper/lower brain.
The Polyvagal Theory
2011Porges, S. W. — Norton
Neurobiological framework explaining how the autonomic nervous system mediates social engagement, safety and threat responses.
What Happened to You?
2021Perry, B. & Winfrey, O. — Flatiron Books
Accessible exploration of how early experiences shape the brain and why co-regulation is the starting point for healing.
Mindsight
2010Siegel, D. — Bantam Books
How self-awareness and interpersonal neurobiology can transform relationships and emotional regulation.
Putting Feelings Into Words: Affect Labeling Disrupts Amygdala Activity
2007Lieberman, M. D. et al. — Psychological Science
fMRI study demonstrating that naming emotions reduces amygdala reactivity — the neurological basis of 'name it to tame it'.
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
1997Gottman, J. & DeClaire, J. — Simon & Schuster
Emotion-coaching framework: being aware of emotions, connecting, listening empathically, labelling, setting limits while problem-solving.
Permission to Feel
2019Brackett, M. — Celadon Books
RULER approach — Recognising, Understanding, Labelling, Expressing and Regulating emotions — and its application in families.
Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships
2013Papernow, P. L. — Routledge
Research-based map of stepfamily development stages, with practical tools for each stage.
For Better or For Worse: Divorce Reconsidered
2002Hetherington, E. M. & Kelly, J. — Norton
Longitudinal research on 1,400 families tracking outcomes for children in divorced and blended family structures.