Group skills training for parents of adolescents with anorexia nervosa: a pilot evaluation

Objective: This pilot study evaluated group skills training for parents of adolescents with anorexia nervosa, an adjunct to family-based treatment (FBT). Method: Training was provided in two formats (six weekly sessions or a two-day intensive) to 22 parents who were in any way engaged with FBT with their child and had been referred from public and private services providing eating disorder treatment to young people. Program feedback, perceived outcomes of the group, and parental wellbeing were assessed using self-report. Child height and weight were also collected. Data were collected at pre- and post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Results: The training was rated as being very helpful and relevant. It resulted in significant perceived improvements in understanding, knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing eating/the eating disorder. No changes in parent wellbeing or child body mass index were found. Conclusion: Parent group skills training improves understanding, knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing eating/the eating disorder. An intensive format of delivery seems as feasible as the per protocol weekly sessions.