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Are parental self‐efficacy and family flexibility mediators of treatment for anorexia nervosa?
Author(s) -
SadehSharvit Shiri,
Arnow Katherine D.,
Osipov Lilya,
Lock James D.,
Jo Booil,
Pajarito Sarah,
Brandt Harry,
Dodge Elizabeth,
Halmi Katherine A.,
Johnson Craig,
Kaye Walter,
Wilfley Denise,
Agras W. Stewart
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.22826
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , psychology , weight gain , flexibility (engineering) , family therapy , self efficacy , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , psychotherapist , eating disorders , medicine , body weight , statistics , mathematics
Abstract Objective Family‐based treatment (FBT) for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN) promotes faster weight restoration when compared to other treatments. However, the mechanisms through which this occurs are not clarified. This study explored the trajectories of parental self‐efficacy and perceived family flexibility during FBT and systemic family therapy (SyFT). We also explored whether parental self‐efficacy mediates the effects of treatment on weight gain early in treatment. Method 158 adolescents (12–18 years old; 89% girls) and their parents were randomized to FBT or SyFT. Parental self‐efficacy as well as adolescents' and parental perceptions of the family's flexibility were collected at baseline and at sessions 2, 4, 6, and 8. Results Over time, only parents in FBT reported significantly greater self‐efficacy. The change in maternal self‐efficacy over the first 8 weeks of treatment was a significant mediator of session 10 weight gain. There were no significant group differences in perceived flexibility by session 8. Discussion Both parents in FBT and mothers in SyFT understand early the need to change their family's rules and roles. However, the specific strategies of FBT appear to mediate early weight gain in AN.