family accommodation
Changes in family routines or behaviors made to reduce a child's distress or avoid triggering symptoms.
Full Definition
Family accommodation refers to modifications that family members make to their behavior, routines, or environment to prevent or reduce their child's anxiety, distress, or problematic behaviors. While accommodation may provide short-term relief, it often maintains and strengthens anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions by preventing the child from learning to cope with distressing situations. Common accommodations include allowing avoidance of feared situations, providing excessive reassurance, or modifying family activities. Reducing family accommodation is a key component of many evidence-based treatments for childhood anxiety and OCD.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from educational accommodations, which are appropriate supports.
In Context
- "High levels of family accommodation were identified as maintaining the child's avoidance patterns." — Assessment report
- "Treatment focused on gradually reducing family accommodation while increasing coping skills." — Progress note