Validating the family coping questionnaire for eating disorders for caregivers of Japanese patients with eating disorders: association between coping strategies and psychological characteristics.

The FCQ-ED-J had sufficient reliability and validity. The Japanese caregivers' responses to the patient's ED symptom-related behavior were associated with their psychological states. Thus, the FCQ-ED-J may offer insight into more effective and reasonable care by caregivers for ED patients. The Family Coping Questionnaire has been used by researchers to assess the coping strategies of the relatives of patients. The present study aimed to validate a Japanese version of the Family Coping Questionnaire for Eating Disorders (FCQ-ED-J) and investigate the association between the coping strategies and psychological states of the caregivers of ED patients. Data from 150 caregivers, including 91 mothers and 34 fathers, were analyzed. The FCQ-ED-J comprised 13 items grouped into four subscales, with acceptable to good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha values between 0.71 and 0.85). All subscales of the FCQ-ED-J were found to be statistically significantly correlated with the profile of mood states (POMS) subscales. The Japanese caregivers' responses to the patient's ED symptom-related behavior were associated with their psychological states. Thus, the FCQ-ED-J can be utilized to help caregivers provide more effective and reasonable psychological care and support to ED patients.