Perceived Occupational Performance in Youth with Eating Disorders: Treatment-Related Changes. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Coelho, Jennifer S.; Fernandes, Avarna; Suen, Janet; Keidar, Adi; Cairns, Jadine
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal of occupational therapy. Volume 87:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 423
• Page End: 430
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Eating disorders -- Occupational performance -- Paediatric -- Treatment outcome; Troubles alimentaires -- Rendement occupationnel -- Pédiatrie -- Résultat de l'intervention; Occupational therapy -- Canada -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Canada -- Periodicals; Therapeutics, Physiological -- Canada -- Periodicals; 615.8515
• DOI: 10.1177/0008417420953229
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-4174

Abstract

Background: This study examined changes in performance and satisfaction with self-identified occupational performance goals during a specialized day treatment admission in children and adolescents with eating disorders. Weight-related outcomes for underweight youth were also examined. Methods: A total of 63 youth participated in the study, with admission and discharge data on ratings of self-identified occupational performance goals (measured with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) available for 42 participants. Findings: Significant improvements were found in ratings of satisfaction and performance with self-identified goals over the course of treatment. The program was also effective in supporting weight restoration for underweight youth, with a large effect size observed. Implications: A symptom-focused day treatment program for paediatric eating disorders led to improvements in perceived occupational performance. Collaborating with youth to develop self-identified goals in the context of eating disorders treatment can foster autonomy and potentially improve treatment engagement.