Interpersonal Learning Is Associated With Improved Self-Esteem in Group Psychotherapy for Women With Binge Eating Disorder.

Interpersonal Learning Is Associated With Improved Self-Esteem in Group Psychotherapy for Women With Binge Eating Disorder.

Filed under: Eating Disorders

Psychotherapy (Chic). 2013 Feb 11;
Gallagher ME, Tasca GA, Ritchie K, Balfour L, Maxwell H, Bissada H

Yalom and Leszcz (2005) indicated that interpersonal learning is a key therapeutic factor in group psychotherapy. In this study, we conceptualized interpersonal learning as the convergence over time between an individual’s and the group’s perception of the individual’s cohesion to the group. First, we developed parallel measures of: (a) an individual’s self-rated cohesion to the group (Cohesion Questionnaire-Individual Version [CQ-I]), and (b) the group’s rating of the individual’s cohesion to the group (CQ-G) based on the original Cohesion Questionnaire (CQ; Piper, Marache, Lacroix, Richardsen, & Jones, 1983). Second, we used these parallel scales to assess differences between an individual’s self-rating and the mean of the group’s ratings of the individual’s cohesion to the group. Women with binge eating disorder (N = 102) received Group Psychodynamic Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Participants were assigned to homogeneously composed groups of either high or low attachment anxiety. Outcomes were measured pre- and post-treatment, and the CQ-I and CQ-G were administered every fourth group session. We found significant convergence over time between the CQ-I and mean CQ-G scale scores in both attachment anxiety conditions. Participants with higher attachment anxiety had lower individual self-ratings of cohesion and had greater discrepancies between the CQ-I and CG-G compared with those with lower attachment anxiety. There was a significant relationship between greater convergence in cohesion ratings and improved self-esteem at post-treatment. More accurate self-perceptions through feedback from group members may be a key factor in facilitating increased self-esteem in group therapy. Group therapists may facilitate such interpersonal learning, especially for those higher in attachment anxiety, by noting discrepancies and then encouraging convergence between an individual and the group in their perceptions of cohesion to the group. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).
HubMed – eating

Patient Mortality as a Predictor of Burnout Among Clinicians Specializing in Eating Disorders.

Filed under: Eating Disorders

Psychotherapy (Chic). 2013 Feb 11;
Eddy KT

In a study of therapist burnout, Warren, Schafer, Crowley, and Olivardia (this issue, pp. •••-•••), identify the experience of patient death as a predictor of “emotional exhaustion,” among clinicians specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Longitudinal research indicates those with eating disorders-particularly lifetime anorexia nervosa-are at increased risk for premature death owing to physical and psychological aspects of their illness. Given this increased mortality risk, clinicians who concentrate their work on this patient population may experience patient death during the course of their careers. Improving clinician support, access to resources, psychoeducation about risks of mortality in this patient group, and training around how to cope with patient death could lead to a reduction in burnout and an improvement in patient care and well-being. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).
HubMed – eating

The Role and Meaning of Eating Disorder Therapist Experience Level.

Filed under: Eating Disorders

Psychotherapy (Chic). 2013 Feb 11;
Satir DA

Warren et al.’s study reports that therapist experience level in the treatment of eating disorders (EDs) is predictive of burnout. What contributes to “experience level” beyond years of training, however, has not been well described. There may be unique factors to working with patients with EDs, particularly among early career clinicians, that influence the experience of treating this unique population. The purpose of this comment is to identify different aspects of therapist experience and how these factors may influence therapist burnout in the treatment of EDs. Specific ways to address challenging experiences early in training are also proposed. Three specific areas of therapist experience that may contribute to burnout were described: (1) tendencies to overprescribe interventions and problem-solve; (2) overidentification with patients; and (3) the influence of a previous ED history on the treatment process. Specific techniques in the supervision of early career clinicians, engagement in one’s own psychotherapy, as well as anticipating intrapersonal challenges that this population is likely to inspire are important areas for intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).
HubMed – eating

Related Eating Disorders Information…