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Association between childhood feeding problems and maternal eating disorder: role of the family environment

Peter J Cooper1, Elizabeth Whelan, Matthew Woolgar

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Reading, UK. P.J.Cooper@reading.ac.uk

The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|March 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Maternal eating disorders are linked to childhood feeding problems. Family mealtime disorganization and maternal control significantly mediate this connection, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Maternal Mental Health
  • Family Dynamics

Background:

  • A strong association exists between childhood feeding problems and maternal eating disorders.
  • The specific mechanisms driving this relationship remain unclear.
  • Understanding family-environmental factors is crucial for elucidating this connection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify family-environmental factors that may mediate the link between maternal eating disorders and childhood feeding problems.
  • To investigate the role of specific family dynamics in the development of feeding disturbances in children.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving a general population sample of children categorized by feeding problems, other issues, or no problems.
  • Maternal mental state, including eating disorder history, was assessed.
  • Home video recordings captured family mealtimes and a standardized mother-child interaction task.

Main Results:

  • 'Mealtime disorganization' and 'maternal strong control and disharmony' were key family-environmental variables differentiating children with feeding problems.
  • Path analysis confirmed these environmental factors mediate the association between maternal and child disturbances.
  • These findings highlight the impact of the home environment on feeding behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • Mealtime disorganization and maternal control/disharmony are significant mediators.
  • These factors link maternal eating disorders to child feeding disturbances.
  • Targeting these environmental factors may be beneficial in addressing childhood feeding problems.
Abstract

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