BACKGROUND: There is a strong relationship between feeding problems in childhood and eating disorder in the mother. The mechanisms responsible for this relationship are not understood. AIMS: To elucidate family-environmental factors that could mediate this association. METHOD: A general population sample of children with feeding problems (n=35), other problems (shyness, fears or behavioural problems; n=58), or no problems (n=23) was identified. The mental state of their mothers was evaluated, including an assessment of current and past eating disorder. Video recordings were made in the families' homes of a mealtime and of the mothers and children participating in a standardised exploratory task. RESULTS: Two family-environmental variables significantly distinguished the children with feeding problems from the other two groups: 'mealtime disorganisation' and 'maternal strong control and disharmony'. Path analysis revealed the importance of these two environmental variables in mediating the association between child and maternal disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of mealtime disorganisation and the level of maternal strong control and disharmony mediate the association between maternal eating disorder and child feeding disturbance.
BACKGROUND: There is a strong relationship between feeding problems in childhood and eating disorder in the mother. The mechanisms responsible for this relationship are not understood. AIMS: To elucidate family-environmental factors that could mediate this association. METHOD: A general population sample of children with feeding problems (n=35), other problems (shyness, fears or behavioural problems; n=58), or no problems (n=23) was identified. The mental state of their mothers was evaluated, including an assessment of current and past eating disorder. Video recordings were made in the families' homes of a mealtime and of the mothers and children participating in a standardised exploratory task. RESULTS: Two family-environmental variables significantly distinguished the children with feeding problems from the other two groups: 'mealtime disorganisation' and 'maternal strong control and disharmony'. Path analysis revealed the importance of these two environmental variables in mediating the association between child and maternal disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of mealtime disorganisation and the level of maternal strong control and disharmony mediate the association between maternal eating disorder and child feeding disturbance.
Authors: Valdo Ricca; Francesco Rotella; Edoardo Mannucci; Claudia Ravaldi; Giovanni Castellini; Francesco Lapi; Linda Cangioli; Paolo Martini; Carlo Faravelli Journal: Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health Date: 2010-07-20
Authors: Elizabeth R Hoffman; Eric A Hodges; Cathi Propper; Pamela L Postage; Elana C Zipkin; Margaret E Bentley; Dianne S Ward; Robert M Hamer; Cynthia M Bulik Journal: J Psychopathol Behav Assess Date: 2013-12-01