16. Family-based therapy is likely helpful for families of a child with ARFID because:
Answer: A
Family-based therapy is likely helpful for families of a child with ARFID because family members may need help learning how to interact with and support the child with ARFID.
Family-based therapy is beneficial as it provides family members with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively support a child with ARFID. This support is crucial in fostering a healthier relationship with food and addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder.
A) family members may need help learning how to interact with and support the child with ARFID.
This option is correct because family-based therapy specifically aims to educate and empower family members to understand ARFID and create a supportive environment. By learning how to respond to the child's needs and anxieties surrounding food, families can help alleviate the stress and pressure that can exacerbate the disorder.
B) ARFID might spread to other children in the family.
This option is incorrect as ARFID is not a contagious condition. While siblings may exhibit similar behaviors due to environmental influences, ARFID itself is a psychological disorder that does not "spread" like an illness. Thus, this rationale does not support the need for family-based therapy.
C) the child with ARFID may reject therapy, so other family members may have to participate instead.
While it is possible for a child with ARFID to be resistant to therapy, this option does not adequately address the primary purpose of family-based therapy. The focus is on equipping family members with skills to support the child rather than solely compensating for the child's potential refusal of therapy.
D) the parents are likely at fault for the child's condition.
This option is incorrect and misleading. ARFID is a complex disorder influenced by various factors including psychological, sensory, and environmental elements. Blaming parents for their child's condition undermines the therapeutic goals of understanding and support, which family-based therapy aims to promote.
Conclusion
In summary, option A is the only choice that accurately reflects the role of family-based therapy in supporting a child with ARFID. It emphasizes the importance of educating family members to help them interact positively with the child, which can significantly improve the child's treatment outcomes. Other options either mischaracterize ARFID or fail to connect with the therapeutic intent, thereby reinforcing the validity of the correct answer.