The parent-child relationship as predictor of eating pathology and weight gain in preadolescents

The present study examined the role of attachment toward mother and father as a predictor of eating pathology and weight gain among preadolescent boys and girls. Self-report questionnaires and adjusted body mass index (BMI) were administered from a community sample of 601 preadolescents (8-11 years; 48% female) at baseline and once again 1 year later. Significant baseline associations were found between attachment toward both parents and several features of eating pathology. No baseline correlations were found between the attachment variables and adjusted BMI. However, after controlling for gender and baseline levels of eating pathology and weight, an insecure attachment toward mother significantly predicted increases in dietary restraint, eating concerns, weight concerns, and shape concerns, and adjusted BMI in the children 1 year later. An insecure attachment toward father was predictive for persistence in children's subjective binge eating episodes. The present study provides preliminary evidence for the longitudinal association between attachment and eating pathology and weight gain in preadolescents. Moreover, attachment toward mother and attachment toward father appear to be differently associated with their children's disordered eating attitudes and adjusted BMI. Future research should further elucidate the mechanisms underlying this differential association.