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Investigating self‐blame and trauma symptoms in parents of young people with anorexia nervosa.

Authors :
Irish, Madeleine
Adams, Joanna
Cooper, Myra
Source :
European Eating Disorders Review. Jan2024, Vol. 32 Issue 1, p80-89. 10p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background: Caring for a young person with anorexia nervosa (AN) has been associated with psychological distress and found to be a traumatic experience. This can have an impact on patient and family outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether self‐blame cognitions contribute to post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in parents of young people with AN. Methods: A cross‐sectional design was used. One hundred and twenty‐three parents of young people with AN completed a range of questionnaires assessing self‐blame cognitions and PTSD symptoms. Results: Overall, levels of self‐blame cognitions were significantly higher in those experiencing higher levels of PTSD symptoms compared to low levels. Additionally, levels of self‐blame cognitions significantly predicted PTSD symptoms over and above demographic factors and illness severity, accounting for 22% of unique variance in PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: The findings suggest that negative appraisals regarding self‐blame for their child's eating disorder contributed to the potential maintenance of PTSD symptoms. Parents presenting with thoughts of self‐blame would benefit from further support to reduce these feelings and, subsequently, reduce carer distress. Highlights: Self‐blame cognitions and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were prevalent in parents of young people with Anorexia Nervosa.Self‐blame cognitions were more prevalent in parents experiencing high PTSD symptoms compared to those who do not. This relationship remained after controlling for subjective and objective threat of death and parental history of trauma, indicating the significant, independent role of self‐blame in the maintenance on PTSD symptoms.Self‐blame predicted 22% of PTSD symptoms, over and above demographic factors associated with PTSD, parental trauma history, and objective and subjective threat of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10724133
Volume :
32
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
European Eating Disorders Review
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
174158575
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.3025