ABSTRACT
Objective
Caregivers of individuals with eating disorders (ED) frequently experience psychological distress, expressed emotion, and accommodation behaviours, contributing to caregiver burden. The New Maudsley Model (NMM) is a structured intervention designed to improve caregivers’ emotional regulation, communication, and coping strategies. This study examined changes in caregiver burden associated with participation in NMM workshops and explored the temporal relationship between psychological distress and ED symptom impact.
Method
A total of 447 caregivers participated, with 189 completing baseline and post-intervention assessments, including psychological distress (DASS-21), accommodation (AESED), expressed emotion (FQ), and ED symptom impact (EDSIS). Linear mixed models and structured equation modelling (SEM) were computed for longitudinal analyses.
Results
Significant reductions were observed in anxiety, expressed emotion, accommodation, and ED symptom impact, following NMM workshops. Higher baseline psychological distress was associated with larger subsequent reductions in distress over time, while ED symptom impact was less modifiable over time, appearing influenced by family dynamics. Baseline ED symptom impact was associated with subsequent changes in caregiver distress.
Discussion
These findings highlight the potential clinical utility of NMM workshops within standard ED care, emphasising the need to target caregiver beliefs, emotional responses, and coping behaviours to improve caregiver’s well-being and possibly support better ED outcomes.