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Attachment-Based Family Therapy for Depressed Adolescents: Programmatic Treatment Development
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Attachment-Based Family Therapy for Depressed Adolescents: Programmatic Treatment Development

Guy Diamond, Lynne Siqueland and Gary Diamond
Clinical child and family psychology review, v 6(2), pp 107-127
01 Jun 2003
PMID: 12836580

Abstract

Therapy
Few effective psychosocial treatment models for depressed adolescents have been developed, let alone ones that use the developmentally potent context of the family as the focus of intervention. Attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) is a brief, manualized treatment model tailored to the specific needs of depressed adolescents and their families. Attachment theory serves as the main theoretical framework to guide the process of repairing relational ruptures and rebuilding trustworthy relationships. Empirically supported risk factors for depression are the primary problem states that therapists target with specific treatment strategies or tasks. Parent problem states include criticism/hostility, personal distress, parenting skills, and disengagement. Adolescent problem states include motivation, negative self-concept, poor affect regulation, and disengagement. Intervention tasks include relational reframing, building alliances with the adolescent and with the parent, addressing attachment failures, and building competency. A small, randomized clinical trial provides initial support for the model. Several process research studies, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, have helped refine the clinical guidelines for each treatment task. ABFT is a promising new treatment for depressed adolescents and more research on it is warranted.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Psychology, Clinical
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