Abstract

MAYORGA, Jimena; PINO ROBLEDO, Santiago; GEMPELER RUEDA, Juanita  and  RODRIGUEZ GUARIN, Maritza. Observation and analysis “in vivo” of family meals of patients with eating disorders. Rev. Mex. de trastor. aliment [online]. 2018, vol.9, n.1, pp.82-94. ISSN 2007-1523.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fesi.20071523e.2018.1.441.

Inclusion of the family members in eating disorders (ED) treatment is a key recommendation of clinical practice guidelines for adolescents. The aim of this study was to observe and analyze roles, interaction patterns, and emotional response styles of family and patients, as well as the features of a menu brought to a family meal session (FMS). A total of 13 patient’s families from the intensive outpatient program for ED participated, patients aged among 12-29 years. Two therapists filled out a family meal observation matrix and took field notes. To improve validity, data triangulation strategies were used, including different sources of information (individual and group sessions contents) and triangulation of techniques (observation in vivo of FMS and a subsequent session with participants was carried out). The analysis of thematic contents revealed that regardless the type of ED and age of the patient the presence of avoidant behaviors in relatives and to a lesser extent, and especially in parents, aggressive, challenging or threatening patterns. However, the discrepancy between the behavior observed in the FMS and the one reported by the patients and their therapists was evident. In general, was observed that behavioral patterns may contribute to the maintenance of the disease.

Keywords : Family meal; Family based treatment; Anorexia nervosa; Bulimia nervosa; Family interaction.