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Family Work in Anorexia Nervosa: A Qualitative Study of Carers' Experiences of Two Methods of Family Intervention
Author(s) -
Whitney Jenna,
Currin Laura,
Murray Joanna,
Treasure Janet
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.1077
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , eating disorders , intervention (counseling) , psychotherapist , family therapy , psychology , qualitative research , clinical psychology , psychological intervention , psychiatry , medicine , social science , sociology
Background Qualitative methods can aid in the development of complex interventions. Aims Qualitative methodology was used to examine treatment efficacy, carer satisfaction and process of change in carers of people with anorexia nervosa who participated in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing individual family work (IFW) and multi‐(dual) family workshops. Method Twenty‐three carers were interviewed. Themes were developed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results Carers who worked with another family described this as beneficial. There was dissatisfaction about a lack of structure perceived in the IFW. Most carers felt the interventions helped them communicate, understand the illness and gain personal and familial insight. Although there was lack of consensus on the most helpful techniques, carers felt sessions should focus on individual relationships and practical guidance for challenging behaviour. Conclusions Carers valued structured, skills‐based interventions. The inclusion of multiple families may reduce carer blame and isolation and facilitate skills‐based learning. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.