Weight gain and parental self-efficacy in a family-based partial hospitalization program

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Eating Disorders Treatment
• Family Therapy

Background:

• Family-based treatment (FBT) is a standard outpatient approach for eating disorders.
• FBT principles are adapted for higher levels of care, such as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs).
• The impact of family-based PHPs on weight restoration and parental self-efficacy remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of family-based partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) on weight restoration.
• To assess changes in maternal self-efficacy during family-based PHP treatment.
• To evaluate the initial outcomes of family-based PHPs for anorexia nervosa.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 98 participants with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa in a family-based PHP.
• Weight gain and maternal self-efficacy were measured over the first five weeks of treatment.
• Maternal self-efficacy was assessed using the Parent versus Anorexia Scale.

Main Results:

• Significant weight gain was observed, averaging 4.5 kg or 8.3% of expected body weight (EBW) within five weeks.
• Maternal self-efficacy showed significant improvement, with changes noted as early as two weeks into treatment.
• Large effect sizes were reported for both weight restoration and improvements in maternal self-efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Family-based PHPs appear to facilitate rapid weight restoration.
• Parental self-efficacy can be maintained or improved during family-based PHP treatment.
• Further research, including randomized trials comparing family-based PHPs to other treatments, is warranted.