BULIMIA, EATING disorders, JUVENILE diseases, EATING disorders in children, PSYCHOTHERAPY, FAMILIES, MENTAL health services, PSYCHIATRY, SECRECY, INTERPERSONAL relations, THERAPEUTICS
Abstract
This paper describes a family in which bulimia nervosa has been present in four children. Discussion about the possible reasons for the development of bulimia in this family includes the importance of secrecy as a boundary-making function in family systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Hill, Barbara M., Raley, John R., and Snyder, Douglas K.
Subjects
FAMILIES, PARENTS, GUARDIAN & ward, HOSPITAL care of children, THERAPEUTICS, PSYCHIATRY
Abstract
Although recent studies indicate greater sustained improvement in psychiatrically hospitalized children when their parents are actively involved in the treatment program, to date no study has examined the direct benefits of group intervention for parents themselves. The present paper describes the impact of an experimental parent-group program on parents' self-esteem, attitudes toward their children, and knowledge regarding childrearing techniques. Overall, supportive group functions are rated by parents as having greater personal relevance and therapeutic impact than educative ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
The article focuses on therapy sessions of patients coming from families who are either Nazi victims or perpetrators. Patients turn to coping mechanisms, such as denial and minimization, distancing, and understanding and differentiation. Patients find it hard to come to terms with the guilt of their Nazi descendants. During therapy sessions, patients do not know where to begin or what questions to ask. It is worth looking into the patients' family history during the therapy for it may open up hardened emotional zones.