Date of Award

1-1-2023

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of Psychology

Content Description

1 online resource (vii, 118 pages) : illustrations (some color)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Julia M. Hormes

Committee Members

Elana Gordis, C. Alix Timko

Keywords

acceptability, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, behavioral treatment, feasibility, parent training, teletherapy, Eating disorders in children, Telecommunication in medicine, Psychotherapy

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology

Abstract

Introduction. Avoidant/restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively novel feeding and eating disorder diagnosis with limited evidence-based treatment approaches. Current treatment approaches have been adapted from treatments for other restrictive eating disorders, however eating disorder treatment is notoriously inaccessible due to geographic, financial, and/or time constraints. The present study aims to establish the acceptability and feasibility of a two-session, parent-training approach, “ARFID-PTP,” for the treatment of ARFID disseminated via telehealth. ARFID-PTP was adapted into a brief, virtual format from other evidence-based treatment approaches. Methods. Participants (n=27) included children ages five to 12, inclusive who meet criteria for ARFID and their caregivers. Feasibility was determined by examining retention and recruitment rates, clinician treatment adherence, and need for booster sessions. Acceptability was determined by scores on the Credibility subscale of the Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ-C) and satisfaction questions. Results. Recruitment and retention rates of participants suggested ARFID-PTP is feasible. Treatment adherence at home, as measured by frequency of completing food exposures, was lower than a priori feasibility thresholds. Families rated the treatment as acceptable and endorsed high satisfaction (MCEQ-C=7.75). Discussion. Overall, the present study suggests acceptability and feasibility of a brief, virtual treatment for ARFID. Notably, the content of optional booster sessions requested by one-third of participants indicates a need for increased emphasis on certain treatment components during initial treatment. A significant limitation of the study is the lack of diversity in the sample, both in racial and economic background and severity of ARFID presentations. Future studies should examine efficacy of the proposed treatment, with a focus on implementation in populations where access to care is limited.

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