'I know I can help you': parental self-efficacy predicts adolescent outcomes in family-based therapy for eating disorders

Abstract

Family-based therapy is regarded as best practice for the treatment of eating disorders in adolescents. In family-based therapy, parents play a vital role in bringing their child or adolescent to health; however, little is known about the parent-related mechanisms of change throughout treatment. The present study examines parent and adolescent outcomes of family-based therapy as well as the role of parental self-efficacy in relation to adolescent eating disorder, depressed mood and anxiety symptoms. Forty-nine adolescents and their parents completed a series of measures at assessment, at 3-month post-assessment and at 6-month follow-up. Results indicate that, throughout treatment, parents experienced an increase in self-efficacy and adolescents experienced a reduction in symptoms. Maternal and paternal self-efficacy scores also predicted adolescent outcomes throughout treatment. These results are consistent with the philosophy of the family-based therapy model and add to the literature on possible mechanisms of change in the context of family-based therapy.