Mothers’ Concerns About Transferring An Eating Disorder

The children of mothers with eating disorders are at increased risk of having an eating disorder, according to numerous studies. What happens when a mother with an eating disorder must deal with having one or more children she fears may develop an eating disorder?

A trio of British researchers recently surveyed British, American, and Australian mothers with eating disorders to discover concerns and fears about intergenerational transmission to their children. Dr. Laura Chapman and colleagues at the University of Sussex and Bristol Medical School used semi-structured online interviews with the mothers, who had one or more eating disorders. First, they wanted to learn about the impact of having an eating disorder, how the mothers tried to break the cycle, whether or not they had told their children about the eating disorder, and how they found support (J Eat Dis. 2024. 12:123).

Participants who were eligible for the study: (1) had to be at least 18 years old with a lifetime eating disorder diagnosis; (2) to have at least one child 2 years of age or older, and (3) to have developed eating disorders symptoms after becoming a parent. The mothers were recruited online through posts on social media, and from parenting groups, and community and eating disorder support groups.

Four questions

The researchers investigated four primary areas. The first was how mothers viewed the impact of their own eating disorder on their children and how they, in turn, had been affected by their own parents by messages related to food, eating, and body shape/size. The second research area examined the strategies the mothers used to prevent their children from developing eating disorders. The third factor was how the mothers communicated with their children about eating disorders, particularly their own disorder. Finally, the researchers investigated the resources mothers needed to manage the risk of their children developing an eating disorder.

The impact on children

The mothers were concerned that they might pass on their body image and eating difficulties, making their children more susceptible to developing the same disorders. They expressed that their eating disorder could impact their children in very tangible ways. For example, they recalled times when their children had missed social events like parties involving food, or times when prolonged treatment took them away from their families. The impact on children varied based on differences in age-for example, younger children seemed less aware of their mother’s eating disorder.

Breaking the cycle

The study participants also described using day-to-day methods to reduce the risk that their children could develop an eating disorder. Some methods included being careful about how they talked about food and eating, and also how they helped their children instill positive relationships with their bodies. For example, the mothers stopped themselves when they began talking about being fat or looking ugly; instead, the emphasis was on positive body attitudes. They also attempted to reinforce healthy food choices and not to point out “bad foods.”

Hiding their own eating disorder

Many mothers tried to protect their children by hiding their own eating disorder; this was easiest with younger children. How and when did they talk about their eating disorder? Mothers were often conflicted about whether or not to reveal that they had an eating disorder. Some who thought about telling their children about the disorder didn’t know the best way to do this; those who did so tried to do this in a way that was appropriate for the child’s age. Most who did talk openly with their family members about their eating disorder felt it was a positive step for their families and themselves.

Finding support

Mothers sought support that would help their children grow up having healthy relationships with food and their bodies. The authors reported that although the study participants were not specifically asked about their parents and coping strategies in their own childhoods, they described a number of strategies they used to manage the challenges their eating disorders brought. Many mothers did recall language that designated certain foods as either “good” or “bad” and clear warnings that food not be wasted.

Mothers with eating disorders may benefit from support and guidance to start conversations about their disorder without adding to their concern about transmitting eating disorder tendencies. Many of the study participants were concerned after they saw their older children being unhappy with their bodies and at times using potentially problematic eating behaviors. Many questions remained, such as if the deliberate methods mothers used around food and body positivity and their awareness of early warning signs had an impact on their children. Heightened awareness in general helped reduce the increased risk of eating disorders in their children. Additional support could be included in preventive programs for children at substantial risk, and could be added for parents seeking treatment. This would benefit not only mothers with eating disorders but their children as well, say the authors.