Association between childhood feeding problems and maternal eating disorder: Role of the family environment

Abstract

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.