The Effectiveness of Family Based Therapy on Body Image and Identity Styles of Female Adolescent with Anorexia Nervosa

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and continuity of family-based therapy (FBT) on body image and identity styles of female adolescents with anorexia nervosa. The research design was quasi-experimental, pre-test and post-test and quarterly follow-up with the control group. The statistical population of the study was teenage girls with anorexia nervosa in 2020-2021 in Karaj. 30 students with their Family were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. In 10 treatment sessions, the experimental group received treatment, and the control group did not. These instruments were used: Eating Attitudes test (Garner & Garfinkel), Identity Style Inventory(Berzonsky) and Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (Cash& Pruzinsky). Data were analyzed by using multivariate analysis of covariance and mixed analysis of variance. The results showed that FBT leads to the positive body image and the acquisition of a committed identity in students. Also, the follow-up results showed that it's effectiveness is lasting. According to the findings, concluded that the method of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa leads to the positive body image and committed identity style in female adolescent. Therefore, psychologists and counselors can use this treatment for female students with anorexia.