A descriptive study of patients’ and families’ experience of multifamily therapy for eating disorders in young adults

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) have profound consequences not only for affected individuals but also for their families. While multifamily therapy (MFT) is well established for children and adolescents with an ED, less is known about its relevance and impact for young adults and their families. This study aimed to explore and describe experiences and outcomes of a MFT programme for young adults with a severe ED, and their family members. A descriptive multi-method design was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data collected at a regional specialist centre in Norway. Qualitative data consisted of group and individual interviews with young women with an ED, and family members who had participated in MFT between 2012 and 2022. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied. Quantitative data were collected from 47 young adult women and 99 family members before and after the MFT programme, using validated measures of ED psychopathology, mental health, quality of life, and family functioning. Descriptive and pre–post analyses were conducted. Qualitative findings generated two overarching themes: “Knowledge and tools for understanding” and “Understand and be understood”. Participants described MFT as providing experiential learning, shared language, and concrete metaphors that enhanced insight into the illness and improved family communication. Quantitatively, patients reported reduced body shape concern, hostility, and trait anxiety, as well as increased satisfaction with their environment. Family members reported significantly reduced perceived burden, guilt, and need for accommodation, alongside lower levels of state anxiety following MFT. Findings suggest that MFT may offer meaningful benefits for both young adults with an ED and their families by strengthening understanding, communication, and emotional coping. The study extends existing evidence by highlighting the relevance of MFT beyond adolescence and underscores the importance of family-oriented interventions for young adults with a severe ED. EDs affect not only the person who is ill but also their whole family. Many parents and siblings feel confused, worried, and unsure how to help. Multifamily therapy (MFT) brings several families together to learn, share experiences, and support each other. In this study, we explored how young adult women with an ED and their families experienced participating in a MFT programme in Norway. We combined interviews with patients and family members, and questionnaires completed before and after the programme. Participants described MFT as helpful because it gave them new ways to understand the illness and talk about difficult topics. Creative exercises and shared discussions helped families see the ED as something separate from the person and facilitated communication and mutual understanding. The questionnaires showed that patients felt less anxious and less unhappy with their body shape, while family members felt less guilt, stress, and need to adapt their lives around the illness. Overall, the findings suggest that MFT can be a valuable form of support for young adults with an ED and their families, helping them feel less alone and better equipped to cope together.