Bonding and parent-child quality of interaction in parents with eating disorder: A scoping review

To summarise existing evidence on bonding and parent-child quality of interaction in parents with eating disorder (ED).

A scoping review was conducted. Seven databases (PsycInfo, Embase, Medline, Pubmed, OpenGrey, ProQuest and Google Scholar) were examined and studies exploring research into bonding and quality of interaction in parents with ED were included.

Seventeen quantitative studies were included in the review. Reviewed literature suggests that parents with ED tend to be more intrusive, may exhibit more negative expressed emotions and may be involved in higher levels of mealtime conflicts during mealtimes. Additionally, they may be less sensitive and may offer less structured in non-feeding interactions. Children of parents with ED may have a more difficult temperament, may display greater internalisation and externalisation problems, may be less responsive to their parents and exhibit more behavioural difficulties.

Overall, we found that parents with ED are more likely to have difficulties during interactions with children, compared with controls, both in feeding and non-feeding contexts which might impact children's mental health. Proposals for future research are suggested to enhance our understanding of the intergenerational transmission of ED, holding the potential to pinpoint therapeutic and preventative targets for both parents with ED and their children.