What treatment approach is most likely to be used by a social worker explaining enuresis as a failure to acquire bladder control?

The treatment approach that is most closely associated with explaining enuresis as a failure to acquire bladder control is rooted in behavioral methods. This approach emphasizes observable behaviors and the learning processes involved in developing bladder control.

Behavioral methods typically utilize strategies such as reinforcement for dry nights, developing a regular urination schedule, and employing the use of alarms that sound when moisture is detected to help the child learn appropriate bladder control. These techniques are based on the principle that behavior can be modified through direct reinforcement and through the establishment of new habits.

In the context of enuresis, it’s crucial to address the child’s learning of bodily signals and the associated behaviors, making behavioral methods the most practical and effective approach. This method focuses on helping the child develop the necessary skills to recognize the need to use the bathroom, rather than delving into emotional or psychological explanations as might be seen in psychodynamic methods.