Protocol for modeling earned-secure attachment in rodents using the repeated cross-fostering procedure with a significant alternative caregiver

An earned-secure attachment (ESA) from a significant alternative caregiver (SAC) can mitigate the negative effects of the alteration of attachment bond. This protocol models clinical ESA in rodents using the repeated cross-fostering procedure with a SAC (RCF+SAC). We describe steps for housing of mice, the mating procedure, isolation of pregnant dam, and SAC introduction. We then detail the preparation of materials and environment for the RCF+SAC procedure and its subsequent execution. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Mancini et al.1