Evaluation of child-centered attachment therapy for depressive symptomsin primary school children

In recent years, most studies have been conducted on the reduction and treatment of depressive symptoms in adults. Unfortunately, the results obtained from the patterns and treatments of adult depression are not generalizable to children. The purpose of this study was to investigate child-centered attachment therapy for depressive symptoms of primary school girls in Bandar Abbas.

This is a quasi-experimental study and the sample consisted of 30 elementary school girls who were replaced by multi-stage random sampling in experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The instruments used in the study were the Child Depression Inventory and the Attachment Quality Questionnaire. The independent treatment variable was based on child-centered attachment, which was applied in six group sessions for students and one educational session for parents in the experimental group. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance.

The results showed that treatment based on child-centered attachment approach was effective in reducing depressive symptoms, especially in the negative mood.

Considering the fact that it is not possible to use the studied interventions related to adult depression without considering the cognitive, emotional, behavioral and physical differences related to age in childhood depression, the results of this study suggest a new approach. Suggests intervention in childhood depression and promotion of mental health of children at this age.