Rescripting - A grounded theory study of the contribution that fathers make to Family-Based Treatment when a young person has anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Aim To present a grounded theory of the contribution that fathers make to family-based treatment when a young person has anorexia nervosa. Background Research indicates a potential to improve outcomes by involving both parents in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. However, fathers are underrepresented both within treatment and research. Family-based treatment requiring the involvement of both parents presents an opportunity to better understand the role of the father in treatment. Design Classic grounded theory. Methods Individual interviews conducted with fifteen fathers involved in family-based treatment. The COREQ checklist was followed. Results Fathers valued being involved in family-based treatment and felt they had an important contribution to make. The analysis captures the overall contribution that fathers make and the impact of their involvement. Four categories; Being on the Outside, Finding a Way In, Finding a Way to Be and Finding a Way to Let Go and one core category Repositioning were generated from the data. A substantive theory of Rescripting, generated from categories and the core category, describes the way that participating in family-based treatment changes fathers and their role. Conclusions Fathers make an important and significant contribution to family-based treatment when a young person has anorexia nervosa. The findings inform clinicians about the importance of including fathers in the treatment of young people with anorexia nervosa. They highlight the importance of incorporating support mechanisms into family-based treatment to harness and maximise the paternal contribution. Relevance to clinical practice Paternal contribution to family-based treatment can be maximised to improve outcomes for young people with anorexia nervosa.