Parents’ sense of competence regarding the added value of support groups in treating their child’s eating disorder

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Reference

Thibault I, *Leduc K, Tougas A-M, Pesant C. (2022). Parents’ sense of competence regarding the added value of support groups in treating their child’s eating disorder. Thérapie Familiale. 43, 143-159.

Abstract

Family-based treatment (FBT) oriented programs are standard practice when treating adolescents with eating disorders. Yet, these programs do not seem to target parents’ needs in relation to parenting skills. Parent support groups are a promising approach in response to these needs. This qualitative study explores the added value of a parent support group within an FBT oriented program. The results show that parents’ participation in the support group fulfilled their needs by reducing feelings of social isolation, by offering direct personal support, and by fostering feelings of confidence in their parenting skills.

DOI