Features of the transference and the termination in the analysis of a latency child with a phobic neurosis plus habit disturbances and developing character traits of inhibition and dependency were at variance with the standard theory of therapeutic results. These observations suggest that from symptomatic improvement occurring before any transference interpretations have been made, through the development of transference reactions and the degree of practising involved inside and outside analysis, the neurotic child's striving to complete development is a more important determinant in the formation of transference and the course of analysis (i.e. in the therapeutic process) than has heretofore been emphasized.