Eine Essstörung ist keine E s s -Störung : Überlebensanleitung für Angehörige ; Lesebuch mit Arbeitsheft ; Entwicklung und Evaluation einer Selbsthilfe-Anleitung für Angehörige Essgestörter.

Abstract

Objective: In the face of long waiting lists for professional guidance the question was examined, whether relatives of persons with an eating disorder can be included in the therapeutic process by the use of selfhelp material. Sample: 55 parents of persons with an eating disorder, selfselective sample. Method: A selfhelp reading book with accompanying workbook for relatives of persons with an eating disorder was developed and tested for its usefulness.The participants tried and rated the work materials. Data of those, who rated the material especially helpful, were compared to the data of those, who rated the book below average. Demographic data were analyzed as well as statements of the participants about the entire book and about the individual topics. Results: The selfhelp manual was accepted as helpful above average by a broad variety of parents of persons with an eating disorder, especially by members of families with significantly more mental problems and with a tendency of less out-patient experience. Participants, who found the book especially helpful, invested more time, completed more feedback- and work-sheets, returned more workbooks and rated the book more under­standable - whereas the understandable-ratings were not related to educational level. The most important topics concerned managing feelings, self-care and body-related self-esteem. Participants, who rated the material especially helpful, contributed more critical and im­provement remarks, too. Conclusions: Relatives of persons with an eating disorder can be included in the therapeutic process by the use of selfhelp material.