Exploring therapist factors and the use of implementation intentions among clinicians practicing family based treatment with children and adolescents with eating disorders
Year: 2020
Type: dissertation
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: ObjectivesFidelity to Family Based Treatment (FBT) is associated with better outcomes, however therapists often deviate from evidence-based protocols.This review aimed to explore whether therapist factors influenced treatment delivery and/or clinical outcomes when delivering FBT for children and adolescents with eating disorders. MethodsA systematic search of five databases identified 2,089 articles, which were screened in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria.Nineteen studies of both quantitative and qualitative design were included in the review.Study quality was rated. ResultsSeven therapist factors were identified.Certain factors were found to be related to clinician adherence to FBT protocol and clinical outcomes (e.g., weight gain, ED symptomology and drop out).Therapist emotions were linked to FBT delivery.For example, a negative relationship was identified between therapist anxiety and delivery of core tenets of FBT.Furthermore, therapist cognitions, behaviours and organisational factors were both positively and negatively related to model fidelity, client engagement and ED symptomology. ConclusionsFindings are discussed in light of existing theory relating to safety behaviours and therapist drift.Strengths and limitations of the review are considered, including how the observational nature of most included studies limited the strength of the conclusions able to be drawn.Future research might consider a more robust approach, such as a meta-analysis. Practitioner Points Clinician experience of anxiety and negative beliefs is related to non-adherence to protocol Positive treatment outcomes are linked to parental empowerment Team access to FBT training has the potential to enhance collegial support, and a consistent approach to FBT implementation
Author: Elizabeth M. Benson
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3094762738