BACKGROUND: This study examined the relative contribution of adolescent self-concept, maternal weight and shape concerns (WSC), and mother-daughter relationships to eating disturbances among girls with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHOD: Eighty-eight adolescent girls (mean = 15.0 years, S.D. = 2.2) and their mothers completed self-report measures of disordered eating and weight control behaviours, with teens also reporting on disturbed eating and body attitudes. Based on reported symptoms, adolescents were classified as highly (N = 18), mildly (N = 30) and non-eating disturbed (N = 40). Self-concept was assessed by adolescent self-report. Mother-daughter relationships were assessed by adolescent self-report and by observed mother-daughter interactions that were rated using a macroanalytic coding system that assesses intimacy and autonomy in these relationships. RESULTS: Hierarchical regressions illustrated that adolescent self-concept deficits, maternal WSC, and impaired mother-daughter relationships significantly predicted eating disturbances in girls with DM, accounting for 57% of the variance. Mothers who engaged in dieting and binge-eating were more impaired in their ability to support their daughters' emerging autonomy. The quality of mother-daughter relationships partly mediated the influence of maternal WSC on adolescent eating disturbances. Moreover, the impact of maternal WSC and mother-daughter relationships on eating disturbances was mediated by adolescent self-concept. CONCLUSIONS: Findings illustrate two pathways through which mother-daughter relationships may impact upon risk of eating disturbances in girls with DM and highlight the need to evaluate family-based interventions specifically tailored for this high-risk population.
BACKGROUND: This study examined the relative contribution of adolescent self-concept, maternal weight and shape concerns (WSC), and mother-daughter relationships to eating disturbances among girls with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHOD: Eighty-eight adolescent girls (mean = 15.0 years, S.D. = 2.2) and their mothers completed self-report measures of disordered eating and weight control behaviours, with teens also reporting on disturbed eating and body attitudes. Based on reported symptoms, adolescents were classified as highly (N = 18), mildly (N = 30) and non-eating disturbed (N = 40). Self-concept was assessed by adolescent self-report. Mother-daughter relationships were assessed by adolescent self-report and by observed mother-daughter interactions that were rated using a macroanalytic coding system that assesses intimacy and autonomy in these relationships. RESULTS: Hierarchical regressions illustrated that adolescent self-concept deficits, maternal WSC, and impaired mother-daughter relationships significantly predicted eating disturbances in girls with DM, accounting for 57% of the variance. Mothers who engaged in dieting and binge-eating were more impaired in their ability to support their daughters' emerging autonomy. The quality of mother-daughter relationships partly mediated the influence of maternal WSC on adolescent eating disturbances. Moreover, the impact of maternal WSC and mother-daughter relationships on eating disturbances was mediated by adolescent self-concept. CONCLUSIONS: Findings illustrate two pathways through which mother-daughter relationships may impact upon risk of eating disturbances in girls with DM and highlight the need to evaluate family-based interventions specifically tailored for this high-risk population.
Authors: Jennifer M Rohan; Bin Huang; Jennifer Shroff Pendley; Alan Delamater; Lawrence Dolan; Grafton Reeves; Dennis Drotar Journal: J Pediatr Psychol Date: 2015-07-07
Authors: Jennifer M Rohan; Joseph R Rausch; Jennifer Shroff Pendley; Alan M Delamater; Lawrence Dolan; Grafton Reeves; Dennis Drotar Journal: Health Psychol Date: 2013-11-25 Impact factor: 4.267