The Paternal Function in Anorexia Nervosa

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Family Studies
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Maternal narcissistic investment can impede a child's separation-individuation process.
• The father's role, both literal and symbolic, is examined in families of anorexia nervosa patients.
• Difficulties in separation-individuation are noted in these families.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the father's influence on separation-individuation and the development of the "experience of agency".
• To understand how a compromised paternal function contributes to anorexia nervosa.
• To investigate the link between paternal function, agency, and bodily control in patients.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of the paternal function within a specific family subset.
• Utilizing the metaphor of rough-and-tumble play to understand early object experiences.
• Analysis of family dynamics, including maternal investment and paternal roles.

Main Results:

• A strong paternal function aids in deploying aggression for separation-individuation and developing agency.
• In families of anorexia nervosa patients, fathers are often passive or absent, compromising paternal function.
• This compromise may lead individuals to internalize their experience of agency within their bodies.

Conclusions:

• The paternal function is vital for fostering a healthy "experience of agency".
• Compromised paternal function is a significant factor in the development of anorexia nervosa.
• Patients may develop omnipotent bodily control as a substitute for a lost sense of agency.