A psycho-education intervention for parents of adolescents with eating disorders: a randomized controlled trial

Eat Disord. 2015;23(1):60-75. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2014.940790. Epub 2014 Aug 4.

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of a 2-hour psycho-education session combined with bi-weekly telephone support in increasing parent/caregiver knowledge about eating disorders, increasing self-efficacy by empowering parents to support their child's recovery, and decreasing the impact of eating disorder symptoms on the family. The intervention was targeted at parents/caregivers whose child was waiting to be assessed for an eating disorder. Participants included 51 parents/caregivers and 36 youths. The brief intervention successfully increased parent/caregiver knowledge of the illness, feelings of self-efficacy, and help-seeking behaviors. These findings are clinically useful as waiting lists are common in Canada.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Canada
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders* / therapy
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / education*
  • Parents / psychology
  • Self Efficacy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires