Social Learning Theory–Based Parenting Programs to Treat Attachment Difficulties: A Case Study of an Older Child Placed Late for Adoption.

An attachment-sensitive formulation is presented for a 9-year-old adopted girl with a complex presentation of oppositionality, separation anxiety, and attachment problems. Session-by-session observational data of an evidence-based treatment demonstrates the transactional nature of the carer-child interactions that drove an improvement in attachment behaviors, as well as oppositional and anxiety symptoms at home. Most importantly, a placement in imminent danger of breakdown was stabilized, allowing the child more time to negotiate a reliable attachment to her new carer. Thus, the evidence-base can be used to develop personalized treatment packages for complex adoption cases consistent with the relevant practice parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]