The Intergenerational Circumstances of Household Food Insecurity and Adversity

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Household food insecurity is associated with intergenerational cycles of violence and adversity.
• Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of mothers facing household food insecurity.
• To identify intergenerational patterns of hunger, violence, and emotional challenges.
• To uncover strategies for breaking these cycles.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory approach.
• Semistructured interviews with 31 mothers experiencing household food insecurity.
• Analysis of major life events and social relationships.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: intergenerational hunger and violence, disclosure within social networks, depression and emotional regulation difficulties, and efforts to break generational patterns.
• These themes highlight the complex interplay of individual experiences and family dynamics.
• Participants described specific life events and social relationships influencing their food insecurity.

Conclusions:

• Household food insecurity is deeply intertwined with intergenerational trauma and adversity.
• Interventions should address emotional well-being and support breaking negative family patterns.
• Social services and policy changes are needed to disrupt these cycles.