Effect of Strength-Based Resilience on Patient's Length of Stay at the Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders

Throughout past decades, physicians have sought to understand factors that contribute to severity of an eating disorder (ED). There is a potential relationship between patients' resilience and the recovery course of their disorder. The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between resilience, measured by indicators of mindfulness and restraint, and length of stay (LOS) at Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders.

Data were obtained from Renfrew's database. Secondary analysis was conducted from this database. The database included women aged 13-75 years admitted to Renfrew. The database excluded males and individuals of ages <13 or >75 years old. Resilience was analyzed through Southampton Mindfulness Questionnaire (SMQ) and ED restraint. The dependent variable, LOS at Renfrew, was analyzed by multivariable linear regression, and multivariable logistic regression for LOS >45 days.

A sample of 2901 subjects was analyzed. There were significant associations between increased mindfulness scores and decreased restraint scores and a decreased LOS at Renfrew. For every 13-point increase in SMQ, the LOS was associated with a decrease by ∼1 day, and for every 1-point decrease in the restraint score (increased restraint), the LOS was associated with a decrease by ∼1 day. Higher restraint scores were independently associated with an increase in likelihood of LOS >45 days by 22.8%.

The Renfrew data support the relationship between a patient's resilience and LOS. This information holds promise for future treatment approaches to improve strength-based modalities in patients suffering from EDs.