Abstract
Attachment theory has led to great strides in understanding the development of social behavior and psychopathology in infancy and early childhood, but the theory is just beginning to be applied to adolescence. Attachment theory may potentially shed valuable light on adolescent social development and deviant behavior. The aim of this article is to examine methods for assessing and treating attachment disorders in adolescence. This article outlines existing theory and strategies for assessment with particular emphasis on the need for the development of clinical protocol. The applications and implications for treatment are then discussed, with a case vignette of pregnancy in adolescence where preoccupied teens may be threatened by growing autonomy and sexuality. Finally, attachment based interventions according to the level of family functioning was demonstrated with emphasis of a function of support system as a transitional attachment figure.
