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Background <p>There is limited research on the involvement and experiences of siblings participating in multi-family therapy (MFT) alongside a brother or sister presenting with an eating disorder (ED). The aim of this study was therefore to explore the experiences of siblings who took part in MFT.</p> Methods <p>Participants were 72 siblings (60% female; age 7–22 years) of adolescents (age 11–18 years) with an ED. These siblings participated in MFT together with their adolescent sibling with an ED and parents at a specialized regional ED unit in Norway. MFT was delivered as a supplement to the primary treatment of the adolescent with an ED, provided by local ED services. At the end of treatment, the siblings without an ED completed a questionnaire about treatment goals and their experiences with MFT. At 6-month follow-up, they completed a separate, shorter questionnaire focusing on their experiences with MFT and their attendance. Both assessments included open- and closed-ended questions. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.</p> Results <p>The majority of siblings (62%) reported that the treatment exceeded their expectations, and nearly all (97%) stated they would recommend MFT to other siblings. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses further indicated that siblings found MFT to be a meaningful and enriching experience, appreciating the multiple conversations, structured therapeutic activities, and the opportunity to connect with others in a similar situation. They also reported improvements in overall family dynamics.</p> Conclusions <p>These findings contribute to the limited but growing literature supporting MFT as a valuable treatment format for sibling involvement, providing both informational and emotional support. Clinicians are encouraged to actively involve siblings in MFT and to promote their engagement throughout the therapeutic process.</p>

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The experience of siblings attending multi-family therapy for adolescent eating disorders: a mixed-methods study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月18日

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  • Ingrid Funderud,
  • Trine Wiig Hage,
  • Jeanette Skjønhaug,
  • Anne-Lise Kvakland,
  • Kristin Stedal,
  • Øyvind Rø,
  • Jan-Vegard Nilsen

摘要

Background

There is limited research on the involvement and experiences of siblings participating in multi-family therapy (MFT) alongside a brother or sister presenting with an eating disorder (ED). The aim of this study was therefore to explore the experiences of siblings who took part in MFT.

Methods

Participants were 72 siblings (60% female; age 7–22 years) of adolescents (age 11–18 years) with an ED. These siblings participated in MFT together with their adolescent sibling with an ED and parents at a specialized regional ED unit in Norway. MFT was delivered as a supplement to the primary treatment of the adolescent with an ED, provided by local ED services. At the end of treatment, the siblings without an ED completed a questionnaire about treatment goals and their experiences with MFT. At 6-month follow-up, they completed a separate, shorter questionnaire focusing on their experiences with MFT and their attendance. Both assessments included open- and closed-ended questions. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

The majority of siblings (62%) reported that the treatment exceeded their expectations, and nearly all (97%) stated they would recommend MFT to other siblings. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses further indicated that siblings found MFT to be a meaningful and enriching experience, appreciating the multiple conversations, structured therapeutic activities, and the opportunity to connect with others in a similar situation. They also reported improvements in overall family dynamics.

Conclusions

These findings contribute to the limited but growing literature supporting MFT as a valuable treatment format for sibling involvement, providing both informational and emotional support. Clinicians are encouraged to actively involve siblings in MFT and to promote their engagement throughout the therapeutic process.