Parental experience of phase one of a modified Maudsley treatment approach for their adolescent with an eating disorder: A qualitative study
Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: Eating disorders traditionally develop during adolescence and have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness.Rapid recognition, diagnosis, and subsequent treatment are essential components of an effective course of treatment.Parental involvement is a key aspect of treatment for adolescents with eating disorders, and is the distinguishing characteristic of the Maudsley approach, in which the parents assume all control.Several quantitative, longitudinal studies have shown that the Maudsley treatment process has effective outcomes.However, subjective parental experiences of a Maudsley-based treatment process are largely absent from scholarly literature.This study utilized a phenomenological qualitative method, in which 11 parents of adolescents within a modified Maudsley treatment approach participated in two semi-structured interviews.The research question for this study was: What are the experiences of parents of adolescents with eating disorders who engage in Phase I of a modified Maudsley based treatment process?Three distinctive themes emerged from this study: empowerment, all-consuming, and community.Themes were explored within the context of promoting further understanding of the process of Phase I of a modified Maudsley approach.The themes were compared and contrasted with literature, implications for the eating disorder treatment community were suggested, and direction for future research was proposed.The results of this study provide avenues to understand the experiences of parents within a modified Maudsley treatment approach and may encourage continued conversation and research within the clinical practice of the treatment of adolescents with eating disorders.This process has been one full of both laughter and tears.I'm overwhelmed with the ways in which I have been blessed during my time at Kent State and the Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders.Thanks goes to my advisors, Dr. Jane Cox and Dr. Jason McGlothlin.Thank you for all of the guidance and careful editing over the past several years.You have been steadfast in your encouragement and support, both academically and professionally, and for that I am grateful.I'm also extremely thankful to Dr. Travis Schermer who took on the task of being my peer reviewer.I also appreciate Dr. Donna Bernert, who was invaluable in guiding me within this qualitative research.I am in awe of the families who so graciously and eloquently shared their stories with me.I cannot express my appreciation and admiration for your courage in the face of your child's eating disorder.It was a true pleasure to be permitted access into your experiences with the Maudsley approach, and it is my sincere hope that through this document, as well as other research, that other parents might find further respite and support within the treatment of their adolescent's eating disorder.I feel honored to have been even a small part of your experience.I also must say an enormous "thank you" to the entire staff of the Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders.Your acceptance and encouragement were at many times the fuel that propelled me through this process.My greatest of thanks must go to Dr. Lucene Wisniewski and Dr. Mark Warren, without whom CCED would not exist.Also, v to Dr. Jorey Beegun, words cannot effectively communicate my admiration, respect, and appreciation for the support you have provided me throughout this process.I'm indebted to my parents, Doug and Joyce Boyette.As I reach this point in my educational career, nothing could have happened without your unyielding support.To be raised in a household that places such emphasis on the value of education is irreplaceable.I look up to and respect both of you more than you know.Thank you for loving me and for teaching me the value of both education and serving others.You are the inspiration for this study and I love you dearly.Also, to my sisters, thank you for loving your older
Author: Claire Boyette McCullough
Institution: Kent State University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2293677368