Exploring Types of Family Environments in Youth with Eating Disorders

Abstract

While many studies have explored the relationship between different eating disorder diagnoses and the familial social environment, current evidence does not support associations between distinct family interaction patterns (e.g., high enmeshment) and particular diagnoses (e.g., anorexia nervosa). The current study seeks to move beyond the current literature to explore whether empirically-derived subtypes of family environment are associated with clinical features within a transdiagnostic sample of youth seeking treatment for eating disorders (n =123). Latent class modeling of the Family Environment Scale (FES) identified three classes (i.e., different FES profiles): (1) Control-Oriented, (2) System Maintenance-Oriented, and (3) Conflict-Oriented. Data are presented to characterize the classes (e.g., age, gender, rates of different eating disorders, severity of eating disorder pathology, rates of comorbid disorders). These preliminary results suggest family interaction types may help personalize treatment for eating disorders and encourage future research to guide such efforts.

The Role of Food in the Family Relationships of Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia in Northeastern Brazil: A Qualitative Study Using Photo Elicitation

“…They did not confront the teenager for fear of the reactions that she may have in face of criticism. Different from previous findings (56), adolescents with BN perceived that they have conflicts within their families, as the AN group.…”

COVID Isolation Eating Scale (CIES): Analysis of the impact of confinement in eating disorders and obesity—A collaborative international study

“…In this study people with AN, reported a significant decrease in ED symptomatology and in emotion dysregulation after confinement. Factors such as younger age and how participants were dealing with external control environments, might be associated (Darrow, Accurso, Nauman, Goldschmidt, & Le Grange, 2017; Treasure, Gavan, Todd, & Schmidt, 2003). Interestingly, OSFED patients reported most adverse effects on eating behaviours and anxiety‐depressive symptoms after confinement.…”

Family functioning, coparenting, and parents’ ability to manage conflict in adolescent anorexia nervosa subtypes.

“…It is not uncommon that, due to the presence of a FED, family relationships become more conflictual, especially with regard to issues concerning nutrition and weight (Darrow et al, 2017). Eating disorders can be a difficult problem for the parental subsystem.…”

“…Several studies have found differences in conflict management, defined as the set of behaviors, attitudes, strategies and tactics shown by partners, in order to interact within conflicting dynamics (Togliatti, Lavadera, & di Benedetto, 2011). In AN-B/P patients’ families, conflict is often high and overt but unmanaged, while families members of AN-R patients tend to avoid conflicting situations or to maintain conflict unresolved (Botta & Dumlao, 2002; Darrow, Accurso, Nauman, Goldschmidt, & Le Grange, 2017; Minuchin, Rosman, & Baker, 1978; Onnis et al, 2012). The literature on separated families has shown a relationship of mutual influence between parental conflict and coparental functioning, that is the coordination and mutual support between parents responsible for the care and raising of children (McHale, 2007).…”