Background and Purpose: Due the high prevalence of oppositional defiant disorder in children and its later consequences, this study aimed to examine the relationship between attachment problems and symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder among elementary school students.

Method: The present research was a descriptive-correlational study. The study population consisted of all elementary school students who were studying in the schools of Tabriz in 2015-2016 academic year. Participants included 229 patients (119 female, 110 male) children aged 11-6 years old who were selected using multistage cluster sampling method. Then, their parents compeleted the Oppositional Defiant Disorder Rating Scale (ODDRS; Hommersen et al, 2006) and Kinship Center Attachment Questionnaire (KCAQ; Kappenberg & Halpern, 2006). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test and multiple regression analysis.

Results: The results indicated that there were significant relationships between attachment problems and oppositional defiant disorder (p < .01). Moreover, the components of attachment problems were strong predictors of oppositional defiant disorder among elementary school students, and could account  40% of the variability in oppositional behaviors of children.

Conclusion: Based on the findings and consistent with attachment theory, the role of attachment in the oppositional defiant disorder was confirmed. Diagnostic and therapeutic implications of attachment problems about threatment of oppositional defiant children have been discussed.