About this Research Topic

Background

The outcomes of the most common treatments for eating disorders (EDs), particularly anorexia and bulimia, are often unsatisfactory, with frequent relapses and dropouts. Treatment complexity and economic burdens are increasing, highlighting the need for innovative approaches.

Most current treatments blend medical-pharmacological interventions with cognitive-behavioral therapy. While family-based treatments have shown some success, they still fall short of expectations. Eating disorders have evolved significantly over the past fifty years, with symptoms emerging at younger ages and spreading globally.

This Research Topic explores the critical role of family dynamics across various life transitions in EDs and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), focusing on both identity shifts and relationship changes.

We welcome studies that:

- Examine how family support or conflict influences identity development and its impact on EDs and NSSI.
- Analyze how families can balance supporting independence while addressing ED and NSSI risks;
- Study how family systems can mitigate stress related to educational transitions and performance, influencing ED behaviors;
- Explore the role of parental involvement during high school to college transitions in managing ED and NSSI;
- Assess how family dynamics can support or hinder progress in dealing with EDs as individuals form romantic partnerships;
- Investigate how families can help manage shifts in peer groups that affect eating and self-harm behaviors;
- Analyze how family support systems can help navigate career stresses affecting identity and mental health;
- Consider the impact of family advice and support during career transitions on managing EDs.

Authors are invited to contribute studies utilizing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, as well as single cases, theoretical models, and novel therapeutic approaches.

Themes include:

- Family dynamics and their relationship to ED and NSSI across life stages.
- The interplay of identity development, family support, and societal pressures.

By focusing on these dynamics, this Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how family influences can support or hinder treatment outcomes and identity development during critical life transitions.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, Non Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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