A Virtual Parent-led Support Group for Parents of Children and Youth with Eating Disorders: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study Examining Acceptability, Cost and Parent Outcomes

Erica Crews

Jennifer Couturier

Impact

  • The parents involved in this project were better equipped to better manage their children’s eating disorder behaviors and to implement strategies discussed in the group sessions to their children’s lives.

  • This funding provided critical support to implement parent peer support groups for parents of youth with eating disorders and allowed for study of these groups.

  • Researchers received CIHR funding worth $149,998 to conduct another study to expand peer support groups for parents of youth with eating disorders across the nation.

  • Ontario

  • Grant

  • McMaster University

  • Reach Out Centre For Kids (R.O.C.K)

  • Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions

  • 2020-2021

  • Children and Youth Mental Health

  • Children (aged 1-12), Youth (aged 13-18), Family Members, Caregivers

About the Project

This research project brings parents of youth with eating disorders together through virtual peer support groups. The objective of this project is to bring these parents together to provide support and psychoeducation through such group sessions on participating parents and their children.

Methodology

Ontario parents were recruited into the study during the COVID-19 pandemic. They filled out questionnaires on topics such as parents’ burden they experience due to their children’s eating disorders, the information they possess about the disorders, overall support received and concepts such as hope, self-care and social expression. After the study, parents were interviewed by the research team to assess the impact of group sessions on their feelings of isolation, burden, hope, confidence to help the child and skills acquired.

Findings & Results

  • The results showed that parents felt more supported, knowledgeable and confident about eating disorders and helping their children.

  • It was also found that many parents reported feeling less isolated and less burdened than prior to partaking in this project.

  • Success stories from other parents inspired participants and increased their hope to better supporting and navigating their children through eating disorders.

  • Overall, the study found positive changes in the parents' well-being because of the support groups with many parents planning to continue sharing experiences and devising solutions together.

Project Outreach

This initiative expanded its impact nationwide, offering virtual parent-led support groups for parents of youth with eating disorders across all Canadian provinces and territories.

Resources Created

  • Researchers supported the development and implementation of a training curriculum for 10 new parent peer support providers who will lead in these 3 areas in Canada.

  • Two papers were published in peer-reviewed scientific journals (International Journal of Eating Disorders and Journal of Eating Disorders).

  • Findings were presented at the Eating Disorders Research Society’s Annual Meeting in September 2022.

  • MHRC Spotlight on Research Webinar: