Parental Emotional Availability and Family Functioning in Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa Subtypes

Abstract

Emotional availability (EA) is a complex construct describing the emotional bond between parents and child, and it refers to support, sensitivity, warmth and closeness. Few studies have investigated the perception of parental EA and its association with dysfunctional eating pattern. The aim of the study is to explore the perception of mothers’ and fathers’ EA of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) and any differences between the two subtypes of binge–purge (B/P) or restrictive (R) AN. Furthermore, it investigates the association of parental EA with AN symptomatology and with patients’ perception of family functioning, which is identified as a maintenance factor for AN. A total of 60 adolescents between 12 and 18 years and their parents (n = 120) were recruited in two eating disorder (ED) specialized care centers. Patients completed the LEAP and the FACES IV questionnaires evaluating parental EA and family functioning, respectively. Results showed no difference between AN subtypes, but a greater perception of mother when compared to father EA was found. Moreover, the EA construct was found not to be associated with ED symptomatology but with a greater positive family functioning. Our study is the first that explores EA in AN, and results suggest the importance of considering parents’ emotional engagement as part of the treatment core, together with the eating symptomatology management.

A life lost to anorexia nervosa: A case report of rapid progressive disease and its psychological aspects

“…Studies have shown that family involvement in the treatment of AN is essential for achieving a positive prognosis, both in the short term and long term. 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 …”

“…Studies have shown that family involvement in the treatment of AN is essential for achieving a positive prognosis, both in the short term and long term. [23][24][25][26] In their article, Schmidt and Treasure discussed the role of EE in maintaining behaviors and beliefs related to AN. 27 According to this article, caregivers and relatives often fail to persuade the patient to change their behavior, and the patient's success in defending their behaviors and beliefs leads to an increased sense of control and agency, reinforcing AN-related behaviors in them.…”