{
  "abstract": "Coeliac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition that currently can only be managed through strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. For young people, this restriction can substantially affect social functioning, participation, and psychological wellbeing. Research has shown that young people with CD may experience anxiety, embarrassment, isolation, and stigma associated with their dietary needs (Ho et al., 2020; Olsson et al., 2009). These challenges can make it difficult for young people to enjoy social activities involving food and may contribute to reduced self-esteem and social confidence. Despite the known psychosocial impact of CD, there are limited group-based interventions that specifically support young people and their families in managing the emotional and social consequences of living with the condition.The current project aimed to assess whether families would engage with a Tree of Life (Ncube, 2006) group intervention and to evaluate its impact on young people’s wellbeing, feelings of isolation, and parental wellbeing. The Tree of Life approach, grounded in narrative therapy principles, uses a metaphor of a tree to explore participants’ strengths, values, and support networks, fostering connection and resilience within a group setting.Three Tree of Life groups were delivered for young people aged 8–15 years, accompanied by two parent support sessions. In total, 32 young people (19 female, 13 male) and 15 parents (12 female, 3 male) took part. Participants qualitative feedback surveys immediately following the groups to capture participants’ experiences and reflections.Feedback from both young people and parents was overwhelmingly positive. All young people (100%) reported that they enjoyed taking part in the sessions, found them useful, and would recommend them to others. Parents also unanimously endorsed the usefulness of the sessions and expressed a desire for future groups. Participants particularly valued the opportunity to meet others with CD, share experiences, and exchange practical information such as recommendations for safe places to eat. Young people highlighted the benefit of forming friendships with peers who understood their experiences and expressed that the groups helped them feel less isolated and more confident managing CD in social contexts. Parents appreciated the opportunity to share their own experiences, connect with others caring for children with CD, and learn more about the condition and its management.The Tree of Life groups were well received and demonstrated a positive impact on young people’s self-image, wellbeing, and sense of connection. Both young people and caregivers described the sessions as empowering, supportive, and informative. Preliminary findings suggest that narrative-based group interventions such as Tree of Life may provide an effective, low-cost, and engaging way to support the psychosocial wellbeing of young people living with Coeliac Disease and their families. Further evaluation with larger and more diverse samples could strengthen the evidence base for the integration of such approaches into routine clinical support for chronic health conditions in young people.References Ho WH, Atkinson EL, David AL. Examining the psychosocial well-being of children and adolescents with coeliac disease. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 2022;76(1). https://doi.org/10.1097/mpg.0000000000003652Ncube N. The tree of life project. International Journal of Narrative Therapy & Community Work 2006(1);3–16.Olsson C, Lyon P, Hörnell A, Ivarsson A, Sydner YM. Food that makes you different: the stigma experienced by adolescents with celiac disease. Qualitative Health Research 2009;19(7):976–984. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732309338722",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Bristol Royal Hospital for Children"
      ],
      "name": "Martyna Chwast"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Bristol Royal Hospital for Children"
      ],
      "name": "Lauren McVeigh"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Bristol Royal Hospital for Children"
      ],
      "name": "Katie Spencer-Chapman"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Bristol Royal Hospital for Children"
      ],
      "name": "Jade Fullick"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Bristol Royal Hospital for Children"
      ],
      "name": "Sophie Velleman"
    }
  ],
  "title": "OC69 ‘Glad to know i’m not alone in this experience of throwing up’; experience of tree of life groups for children with coeliac disease and their parents",
  "uid": "0cec85a8-8471-555d-8ea8-d46c638e2c2c"
}