Biography
Jessica holds a PhD in developmental psychology and is currently a visiting researcher with the University of Cambridge’s Department of Public Health and Primary Care. Jessica’s research centers on attachment theory, with particular focus on translating attachment theory, research, and methods into practice. While attachment concepts are highly influential in work with young children and families, practitioners often face challenges applying attachment theory in practical settings, manifesting in attachment myths, theoretical misinterpretations, and inconsistency of application. Jessica works to bridge this divide by making attachment concepts accessible to diverse practitioners across public health, clinical psychology, psychiatry, social work, and counseling. Her research provides evidence-based insights to facilitate attachment-informed practice for professionals working with young children and their caregivers. A key component of this work involves dispelling common myths and misconceptions about attachment theory held by both parents and practitioners, promoting an accurate, evidence-based understanding. Jessica also has a special interest in the continuity of attachment throughout the lifecourse.
Research
Jessica's research interests include attachment theory and infant mental health. Methodologically, she specializes in systematic literature reviews, including meta-analyses, scoping reviews, and rapid reviews.
Publications
Opie, J. E., McIntosh, J. E., Esler, T. B., Duschinsky, R., George, C., Schore, A., Kothe, E. J., Tan, E. S., Greenwood, C. J., & Olsson, C. A. (2021). Early childhood attachment stability and change: A meta-analysis. Attachment & Human Development, 23(6), 897–930. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616734.2020.1800769
Opie, J. E., Esler, T. B., Clancy, E. M., Wright, B., Painter, F., Vuong, A., Booth, A. T., Newman, L., Johns-Hayden, A., Hameed, M., Hooker, L., Olsson, C., & McIntosh, J. E. (2024). Universal digital programs for promoting mental and relational health for parents of young children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 27(1), 23–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-023-00457-0
McIntosh, J. E., Opie, J., Greenwood, C. J., Booth, A., Tan, E., Painter, F., Messer, M., Macdonald, J. A., Letcher, P., Olsson, C. A., & ATPG3 MAC Lab and Consortium. (2024). Infant and preschool attachment, continuity and relationship to caregiving sensitivity: Findings from a new population-based Australian cohort. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines, 65(1), 64–76. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13865
Opie, J. E., McHale, J. P., Fonagy, P., Lieberman, A., Duschinsky, R., Keren, M., & Paul, C. (2023). Including the infant in family therapy and systemic practice: Charting a new frontier. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 44(4), 554–564. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.1567
Opie, J. E., Hameed, M., Vuong, A., Painter, F., Booth, A. T., Jiang, H., Dowling, R., Boh, J., McLean, N., & McIntosh, J. E. (2024). Children's social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes in military families: A rapid review. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 33(6), 1949–1967. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-024-02856-5
McIntosh, J., Opie, J., & Booth, A. (2024). Early predictors of infant disorganised attachment and levers for risk reduction by frontline workforces. In S. Porges, E. Tronick, J. Mitchell, & J. Tucci (Eds.), Trauma informed to trauma integrated applications in practice – Creating sustained relational change in the lives of vulnerable children, families and communities. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Foster, S., Schofield, G., Geoghegan, L., Hood, R., Sagi-Schwartz, A., Bakkum, L., Hutchinson, D., Balk, W., Devine, R., Steele, M., Steele, H., Duncan, R., Guthrie, J., Mannes, J., Talia, A., Pickerden, J., Senior, L., Bailey, L., Stanton, C., Allen, B., Dagan, O., Opie, J.E., Verhage, M., Reijman, S., Sterkenburg, P., Costa-Cordella, S., Spies, R., Tharner, A., Granqvist, P., Forslund, T., Madigan, S., Schuengel, C., Hammarlund, M., Fonagy, P., & Duschinsky, R. (2025). Attachment theory and research: What should be on the core curriculum for child and family social workers? Social Work Education, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2025.2531859
