Parental engagement in an early intervention program for anorexia nervosa: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe chronic condition requiring early and effective intervention. Family involvement is considered a cornerstone of adolescent treatment, yet the specific dynamics of early parental engagement into care remain poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the processes underlying parental involvement in early care for adolescents with AN, within the context of a family-based day program (EVAFAM) in France. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 15 parents (7 fathers, 8 mothers) whose adolescents participated in the EVAFAM program between January 2023 and June 2024. We identified three main processes that lead to parental engagement in care: (1) a grieving process, where parents recognized the chronic nature of the illness and t

SUBMITTER: Diot T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12916978 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature