Long-Term Outcomes of a Brief Emotion-Focused Family Therapy Intervention for Eating Disorders Across the Lifespan: A Mixed-Methods Study

##article.authors##

  • Patricia Nash Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland
  • Marika Renelli Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario
  • Amanda Stillar University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
  • Breeanna Streich Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario
  • Adele Lafrance Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario

##article.abstract##

Emotion-focused family therapy (EFFT) empowers caregivers to support their loved one’s eating disorder (ED) recovery. Data were collected over time from 74 caregivers who participated in a 2-day EFFT workshop. Results revealed positive outcomes related to self-efficacy, treatment engagement fears, and the accommodation and enabling of behaviours. A thematic analysis of interviews conducted with eight caregivers identified the following themes: (a) increasing self-efficacy with emotion, (b) working through emotion blocks, (c) strengthening interpersonal relationships, (d) experiencing togetherness among participants, and (e) benefiting from experiential practice via role-play. Results suggest this brief intervention is associated with positive caregiver outcomes that can be maintained over time.

##submission.authorBiographies##

  • ##submission.authorWithAffiliation##
    MA
  • ##submission.authorWithAffiliation##

    Department of Psychology

    MSc, MA

  • ##submission.authorWithAffiliation##

    Department of Education

    PhD, R.Psych

  • ##submission.authorWithAffiliation##

    Department of Psychology

    MA

  • ##submission.authorWithAffiliation##

    Department of Psychology

    PhD, C.Psych

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##submissions.published##

2020-04-14

##issue.issue##

##issue.vol## 54 ##issue.no## 2 (2020): Regular Issue

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Articles/ Articles

##submission.license##

Copyright is retained by the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

##submission.howToCite##

Long-Term Outcomes of a Brief Emotion-Focused Family Therapy Intervention for Eating Disorders Across the Lifespan: A Mixed-Methods Study. (2020). Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 54(2), 130-149. https://dev.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/rcc/article/view/62846