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

Abstract

Plain English Summary Family-based treatment (FBT) was designed as an outpatient treatment. Many treatment programs that offer higher levels of care, such as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), integrate FBT strategies. It remains unclear how well these PHPs promote weight restoration. It is also possible that PHPs may interfere with parental self-efficacy, or parental confidence to help their child, since the treatment team is much more involved in daily care of the patient. This study examined weight gain and maternal self-efficacy in 98 participants with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa enrolled in a family-based PHP. Findings suggested increases in weight and percent expected body weight in the family-based PHP during the first five weeks of treatment. Maternal self-efficacy improved within two weeks of treatment. This study suggests that family-based PHPs may result in rapid weight increases without decreasing parent self-efficacy.

Keywords

• Anorexia nervosa
• Weight gain
• Self-efficacy
• Adolescent
• Psychotherapy
• Family therapy