Effect of Attachment-Based Therapy on Behavioral Disorders in Girls with Attachment Problems

Background: Multidimensional and complex nature of children`s behavioral disorders requires assessment and usage of modern treatments. The present study investigated the effects of attachment-based therapy on behavioral disorders (depression, over anxiety and oppositional defiant) in girl students of primary school who had attachment problems.

Materials and Methods: This study is an empirical plan with pretest-posttest and control group. The target samples were 34 individuals of 388 second and fourth grade students of primary school that had highest scores on attachment problems and behavioral disorders (depression, over anxiety and oppositional defiant). Evaluation implemented using Randolph attachment disorder questionnaire (RADQ) and Ontario mental health test. Mothers were presented in 10 group sessions of attachment-based intervention and its effects investigated in their girl`s behavioral disorders (depression, over anxiety and oppositional defiant).

Results: Reduction rate of behavioral disorders general scores (depression, over anxiety and oppositional defiant) of experimental group compared with control group showed significant decreases in posttest and three months follow up.

Conclusion: The attachment based therapy offered for mothers of the girls with attachment problems was effective to reduction of behavioral disorders (depression, over anxiety and oppositional defiant) symptoms in their children and the mother`s continues attention to interventional methods showed more improvement in follow up evaluation.