The Impact of Family Dynamics on Adolescent Eating Disorders
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Project description
Eating disorders are a significant public health concern. Galmiche and colleagues conducted a systematic review with 94 studies from the years 2000 to 2018 on the global prevalence of eating disorders (page number). Based on their systematic review, the weighted mean of lifetime prevalence of eating disorders was 8.4% (range 3.3-18.6%) for women and 2.2% (range 0.8-6.5%) for men. Further, 75% of first-onset cases emerge during adolescence. An empirically supported risk factor for eating disorders is parent-child interactions and family environment (Jacobi, Hütter, Fittig). This is a narrative review on how parental behaviors impact the development of adolescent or young adult eating disorders. A literature search was conducted using the Google Scholar and Research Rabbit databases. Eating disorders are impacted by family dynamics such as attachment and parenting styles, and modeling of food and weight-related behaviors.
Project outcome
Family dynamics play an important role in the development of eating disorder. Some conclusions drawn on negative impact of Authoritarian parenting style in adolescence and positive impact of secure attachment styles in preventing eating disorders. However, it is unclear how large the role family dynamics play, as literature on this subject is limited. Authors focus on specific aspect of family interactions without providing empirical backing of dysfunctional family dynamics. Current scientific literature rejects the idea that family dynamics is the only cause of eating disorders.
Mentor review
She really pushed me when I needed it and made sure to always encourage me, while at the same time helping me correct my mistakes.