A Psycho-Education Intervention for Parents of Adolescents With Eating Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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.