Table 1 Search terms and Boolean operators used to identify studies for this meta-synthesis

Block 1- Disorder

“Anorexi*” OR “restrictive eating disorder”

Block 2 – Therapeutic approach

“Family therap*” OR “family based treatment*” OR “family intervention” or “systemic psychotherap*” OR “systemic therap*” OR “systemic intervention*”

Block 3 – Processes of therapeutic change (phenomenon of interest)

“Family function*” OR “family relation*” OR “systemic change*” OR “family structure” OR “family dynamic*” OR “family dysfunction” OR “family role*” OR “systemic change” OR “psychotherapeutic process*” OR “therapeutic change” OR “psychotherapeutic change*” OR “behavio? r change” OR “therapeutic process” OR “strateg*” OR “interaction*” OR “pattern*” OR “support*” OR “manage*” or “attachment*” or “process* of change” OR “process*” OR “recovery process*” OR “change mechanism*” OR “change strategies” OR “change process*” OR “mechanism* of change” OR “therapeutic effect*” OR “recovery” OR “family function*” OR “help*” OR “facilitat*” OR “improve*” OR “outcome*” OR “influenc*”

Block 4 – Type of research

“Qualitative research” OR “views” OR “perspectives” OR “experience*” OR “interview*” OR “accounts”

Block 5 - Population

“Youth” OR “adolescen*” OR “teen*” OR “young people” OR “child”