Table 3 Categories and subcategories emerging from semi-structured interviews with parents (n = 36 participants)
Category | Subcategory | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Overall | Group structure | 13 participants, 16 references |
Group atmosphere (e.g. it’s a safe space) | 11 participants, 16 references | |
Group discussion topics were appropriate | 8 participants, 10 references | |
Group organization | 5 participants, 5 references | |
Group size (adequate) | 1 participant, 1 reference | |
Parent Facilitators | Good facilitators (e.g., amazing, wonderful, great) | 29 participants, 47 references |
Knowledgeable facilitators (e.g., resourceful) | 22 participants, 27 references | |
Supportive facilitators (e.g., caring, welcoming, empathetic) | 19 participants, 24 references | |
Liked and valued their lived experience | 14 participants, 14 references | |
Appreciated their facilitation approach | 13 participants, 14 references | |
Appreciated their addition of positivity | 10 participants, 12 references | |
Easy to communicate with outside of the sessions | 7 participants, 7 references | |
They fostered meaningful connection and discussion amongst group members | 7 participants, 7 references | |
Felt they could have managed participants better | 4 participants, 6 references | |
Checked in with struggling parents | 4 participants, 4 references | |
Co-facilitators worked well together | 1 participant, 1 reference | |
Other Parents | Good (e.g., lovely, amazing) | 18 participants, 21 references |
Supportive (e.g., respectful, compassionate) | 12 participants, 17 references | |
Knowledgeable | 1 participant, 1 reference | |
Recognized that everyone is at a different point in their journey with their child | 15 participants, 16 references | |
Annoyed with another parent | 6 participants, 8 references | |
Made connections with another parent outside of the group | 4 participants, 5 references | |
Inspired by other parents | 2 participants, 4 references | |
Groups lacked diversity | 1 participant, 1 reference | |
Support | Felt supported by the group | 31 participants, 49 references |
Helpful to know that others are going through similar things and that they are not alone | 30 participants, 59 references | |
Valued tips, ideas, resources, and strategies from other parents | 19 participants, 39 references | |
Decrease in shame/embarrassment/guilt | 17 participants, 28 references | |
Easier to talk to group members than other friends/family/coworkers | 17 participants, 22 references | |
Feelings of validation | 16 participants, 26 references | |
Felt comfortable speaking about their experiences | 13 participants, 16 references | |
Learned to prioritize their own wellbeing as a caregiver | 9 participants, 14 references | |
Helpful to be able to help others | 9 participants, 11 references | |
Helpful hearing success stories | 8 participants, 9 references | |
Became aware that recovery can take time, easing tension | 6 participants, 6 references | |
Motivated and more confident helping their child and take their child’s ED more seriously | 4 participants, 6 references | |
Education and Resources | Valued amount and variety of resources about EDs provided | 24 participants, 46 references |
Education topics were seen as being helpful in the future | 12 participants, 16 references | |
Post-session emails with resources helpful | 10 participants, 13 references | |
Appreciation for high-quality, pre-selected resources offered by facilitators | 8 participants, 8 references | |
Learning about types/presentations of EDs and warning signs helpful | 8 participants, 8 references | |
Topics were never relevant due to a difference in their child’s age/diagnosis/experience | 7 participants, 10 references | |
Parent wished they had access to education earlier in their child’s illness | 4 participants, 7 references | |
Topics became relevant during the study period | 2 participants, 2 references | |
Less Helpful Aspects | Nothing was less helpful | 6 participants, 7 references |
Overfocus on anorexia nervosa | 4 participants, 5 references | |
Topics repetitive | 2 participants, 3 references | |
Do not belong in the group because their child’s problems are not as severe | 5 participants, 12 references | |
Parents from rural areas unable to access resources in Southern Ontario | 4 participants, 5 references | |
Parents new to EDs initially scared by other children’s severity/duration of ED | 3 participants, 3 references | |
Do not want to feel like they are boasting when talking about successes | 3 participants, 3 references | |
Felt envious of other parent’s successes, comparing their child to others | 3 participants, 5 references | |
Emotional but helpful | 6 participants, 6 references | |
Sessions were too emotional at times | 4 participants, 5 references | |
Suggestions for Change | No suggestions for change | 7 participants, 7 references |
More recovery/success stories | 9 participants, 13 references | |
More focus on transition out of pediatric care | 1 participant, 1 reference | |
More focus on mental health aspects of EDs rather than physical aspects | 4 participants, 7 references | |
More focus on relapse prevention | 1 participant, 2 references | |
Separate groups based on child’s age | 2 participants, 4 references | |
Separate groups based on child’s ED diagnosis | 4 participants, 5 references | |
Separate groups based on child’s ED duration | 2 participants, 4 references | |
Separate groups based on geographical location | 2 participants, 4 references | |
Separate groups based on cultural needs (e.g., Indigenous cultural facilitator) | 2 participants, 3 references | |
Influence of Support Group on Child who has an ED | No effect on relationship | 3 participants, 4 references |
Relationship improved | 21 participants, 31 references | |
Used skills they learned in group with their child (e.g., changing language) | 28 participants, 58 references | |
Helped parent become more patient with child | 8 participants, 9 references | |
Eased parents’ expectations related to the ED (e.g., slips/mishaps are normal) | 8 participants, 9 references | |
Helped parents externalize the illness | 6 participants, 7 references | |
No effect on ED symptoms | 8 participants, 8 references | |
Improved symptoms | 2 participants, 2 references | |
Influence of Support Group on Siblings | No impact | 11 participants, 11 references |
More aware of how siblings can be impacted and how to support them | 14 participants, 23 references | |
Check siblings for warning signs of EDs/use preventative measures | 6 participants, 8 references | |
Prioritize spending time alone with siblings | 5 participants, 6 references | |
Siblings happy that parent was getting support | 3 participants, 4 references | |
Availability and Accessibility | Groups should be advertised and supported by hospitals and community organizations | 26 participants, 52 references |
More of these groups should be offered | 11 participants, 12 references | |
Groups should be peer led | 4 participants, 4 references | |
Parent facilitators should be fairly compensated | 9 participants, 10 references | |
Surprised that these groups are not already commonplace | 1 participant, 1 reference |