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Article 1: Murray, S. B., Thornton, C., & Wallis, A. (2012). A thorn in the side of evidence-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 46, 1026–1028. doi:10.1177/0004867412455231

Learning Objective: 15.2 Critically evaluate inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for adolescents with eating disorders.

Summary: This short article describes research supporting family-based treatment of anorexia nervosa but notes that there is a potential research–practice gap that needs to be further examined.

Questions to Consider:

1. Describe family-based treatment. What does it require of parents?
2. What evidence is there for the efficacy of this approach? What evidence is lacking?
3. What is a research–practice gap? Why might one be anticipated here? What are some steps to address this concern?
    

Article 2: Blodgett Salafia, E. H., & Gondoli, D. M. (2011). A 4-year longitudinal investigation of the processes by which parents and peers influence the development of early adolescent girls’ bulimic symptoms. Journal of Early Adolescence, 31, 390–414. doi:10.1177/0272431610366248

Learning Objective: 15.2 Outline some of the main causes of eating disorders ranging from genetic-biological factors to social-cultural influences.

Summary:  This study followed 85 girls from fifth to the eight grade to examine the influence of peers and parents on bulimic symptoms. Results suggested that peers and parents both played a role by affecting body dissatisfaction, though peers were a somewhat stronger influence than mothers or fathers.

Questions to Consider:

1. Describe prior research on parents’ and peers’ influence on body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.
2. Several figures are presented describing results. In words, what do these models show?
3. Both parents and peers influenced bulimic symptoms. Why is this important? How can this be used in prevention and treatment?