Carer’s experience of a brief systemic group intervention for Parents of young patients with Eating Disorders: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies support the importance of involving parents of adolescents with eating disorders (ED) to facilitate successful treatment. This study explored the experiences of parents of adolescents with ED after having participated in a brief systemic group intervention. Methodology: Data were obtained from a group of 12 parents (mean age = 51,82 ys; sd = 6,40), of adolescent outpatients (mean age = 18 ys; ds = 2,83) with ED, carried out in an Italian public center specializing in ED treatment. All participants filled in a questionnaire constructed specifically for this study measuring group helpful events for the individual and for the family. The content analysis was performed by two independently raters after the ending of the group. Results: This study has confirmed that parent’s groups can be beneficial in increasing parents self-efficacy and reducing psychological distress, anxiety and burden. The results showed that parents reported changes about themselves and their family relationship. The parents perceptions about the possible impact of this intervention on the relationship with their daughters will be discussed. Scientific and applicative relevance: Improve parent’s mental health and reduce caregiver stress is important to increase the effectiveness of treatment.