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Table 3 Adaptations to Family-Based Treatment (FBT): Results from Individual Interviews (I) and Focus Groups (FG)

From: Family-based treatment with transition age youth with anorexia nervosa: a qualitative summary of application in clinical practice

Intervention of FBT

I or FG

N

Findings of Adaptation or No Adaptation to Interventions of FBT with TAY versus Younger Adolescents

Individual Time with the TAY

I

1

No difference with age, adaptations are based on developmental stage

1

No individual time with TAY

1

No time specified, but individual time with a TAY is longer

6

Change in time spent during session with TAY – ranging from 15 minutes to the entire session spent individually with a TAY (those advocating entire session suggested reserving this for Phase 3)

4

Content of the individual meeting with a TAY is about motivation and alliance

FG

3

The individual time is longer with a TAY across all phases

1

The individual time is longer with a TAY in phase two only

1

The individual time is longer with a TAY in phase three only

1

If individual time is extended, there is the risk of excluding the family

3

Content of the individual meeting is about impacts of the ED on TAY; about family dynamics; and, support a TAY’s autonomy

Externalization

I

3

Externalization looks the same with a TAY

3

TAY are more capable of abstract externalization

FG

3

Externalization looks the same with a TAY

4

TAY are more resistant to the idea of externalization

1

TAY are more accepting of the idea of externalization

3

Visual externalization is used for younger teens while TAY are insight oriented

2

Externalization is directed even more strongly at parents of TAY

Creating an Urgent Message to Support Parents to Help their Child make Behavioural Changes

I

2

The message is the same regardless of age

5

The message is created for both the TAY and the parents

4

The content of the message is focused on social and future goals for TAY

4

The transition to adult-care systems is used to increase anxiety of TAY

4

The language of the urgent message is more explicit for TAY

FG

6

The message is the same regardless of age

5

The message is created for both the TAY and the parents

5

The content of the message is focused on social and future goals for TAY

3

The transition to adult-care systems is used to increase anxiety of TAY

Phase 2

I

5

TAY need more opportunities to practice eating independently

3

TAY need more opportunities to practice eating at school and work

FG

1

Phase 2 is not based on age, it simply varies from individual to individual

2

There is more discussion of a TAY’s independence in phase 2

2

It is more difficult to keep parents of a TAY engaged in phase 2

1

Phase 2 is more collaborative with a TAY around meals

1

Phase 2 is framed as training ground for post-secondary and work

1

Parents are more likely to give back control too quickly for a TAY

Phase 3

I

6

Relapse prevention is incorporated into phase 3 for a TAY

3

There is more talk of future oriented goals with a TAY

2

Phase three contains individual therapy for a TAY

3

Different issues such as body image, life transitions, future goals, and emotion regulation are discussed with a TAY

FG

5

Relapse prevention is incorporated into phase 3 for a TAY

3

Phase three contains individual therapy for a TAY

3

Different issues such as body image, life transitions, future goals, and identity developmental are focused on for TAY

2

Phase three is shorter for a TAY

  1. Number of Interviews that Endorsed Adaptation or Non-Adaptation.