Abstract:
Introduction
One of the key profile features of adolescents with Eating Disorders (ED) is a difficulty with assertiveness. Indeed, current research points to the importance of these patients’ perception of excessive control exerted by their families. Because these adolescents generally live with their families of origin, family-based variables may impact the development and evolution of psychosocial risk factors associated with this psychiatric disorder.
Objective
To investigate whether adolescents with ED improve on assertive communication as a result of parental assertiveness training.
Methods
The sample was comprised of 50 female adolescents with ED receiving group therapy treatment at Niño Jesús hospital in Madrid. Out of the 77 parents participating in the study, 36 were part of the experimental group and subjected to training in assertive skills (8-week sessions for about 2 hours). In addition, 41 parents formed the control group (with no assertiveness training). Before and after this training (or the same amount of time for the control group), adolescents were administered the psychometric test known as the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS).
Results
A significant increase in...