Family Dynamics In The Home And Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are disorders or changes in behavior related to food, and therefore to intake. These are maintained in the long term and lead to a deterioration of a person’s physical health. In addition, there is a deterioration psychologically and socially, as well as a strain on family dynamics in the home.
These disorders are widely studied due to the high prevalence among the female population. More specifically, due to the prevalence among teenagers. Estimates show that up to 4% of teenagers and young female adults today are affected in the western world. However, there are very few studies on family dynamics in the home in people with eating disorders.
This is an inevitable and urgent challenge, given the huge proportion of teenagers who are at risk of developing an eating disorder. It is a social problem that can be directly linked to family dynamics in the home, as it has many consequences for general well-being. It is also very relevant because family members have a huge influence during this disorder.
What causes eating disorders?
Numerous studies seek to find not only the triggers for eating disorders, but also the pervasive ones. Models that Vohs, Bardone, Joiner, Abramson and Heatherton (1999) came up with showed the role of perfectionism in the developmental symptoms of anorexia nervosa.
In recent studies, such as the one conducted by the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 2010, this perfectionism is defined as an extreme concern for making mistakes or making mistakes, as well as indecision.
They shed light on things like the body’s dissatisfaction and low self-esteem, along with starting a strict diet and weight gain. There are also other risk factors when developing an eating disorder, such as family conflicts and critical conditions related to weight and body shape.
When it comes to the pervasive factors in this condition, the dietary restrictions and a reduced social environment are pervasive. It is in the latter where the attitudes of the immediate family are reflected.
Family dynamics in the home and eating disorders
Expressed Emotion (EE) is the emotional communication style in the family, and is also one of the pervasive factors in eating disorders. EE is a model that began to take shape in the 50’s at the Institute of Psychiatry , Psychology and Neuroscience in London. In a first study, researchers observed that most relapses in people with schizophrenia occurred with those who were exposed to the previous family dynamics.
As a result, they then conducted surveys to explain the elements of the family core. They thought it had something to do with the relapses from those who returned home. In fact, Brown, Birley, and Wing found three characteristics that are definitely related to the condition’s development and pervasive nature:
- Hostility
- Emotional excessive involvement
- Criticism
Other writers, such as Muela and Godoy, also include warm and positive comments. Relatives of people with eating disorders present the characteristics of the EE model that are similar to those found in previous schizophrenia research.
Components of expressed emotion
- Criticism. Negative assessment from a family member regarding the behavior of a person with an eating disorder. (The content not only signifies criticism, but also the way they say it).
- Hostility. Rejection from a family member. It is not just a critique of an eating disorder, but a general attack on them as individuals.
- Emotional over-engagement. Intense emotional response from family members in an attempt to control the behavior of a person with an eating disorder. On the one hand, the emotional response can vary from constant sobbing to crying due to the situation. On the other hand, it is the self-sacrifice that is required by the condition. And overprotection.
- Heat. Adequate emotional response from family members characterized by empathy, love and interest.
- Positive comments. Oral comments about affection for the person with an eating disorder.
All of these components appear to play a significant role in the condition of a person with an eating disorder. When, for example, there are high levels of critical commentary, hostility and emotional involvement, the family context of the vulnerable person becomes compulsive, much more alert and less flexible.
Long-term studies in the field show that there are differences between cases of eating disorders that lasted shorter, compared with the cases that became chronic. Researchers observed that only 6% of the relatives of the people who recovered quickly showed high levels of expressed emotion.
Many authors also studied the relationship with EE in relatives and the development of the eating disorder, as opposed to just studying the pervasive nature when they had it. The results showed that between 55-60% of the relatives of people with eating disorders had high EE.
The relevance of family dynamics in the home: Development of eating disorders
Given what was just mentioned above, it is necessary to include psychoeducation as part of the treatment. If necessary, intervention from the family is required when the person with an eating disorder is undergoing psychological treatment.
A good emotional family dynamic, where all members can deal with their emotions and have an outlet for their emotions at the right times, is crucial to improve eating disorders.
Furthermore, the involvement of family members is crucial. Especially when most of those affected by eating disorders are young. No one expects family members to know exactly what to do and how to deal with it. This is why they should be a part of the whole treatment. After all, they are a big part of the cure.
Thus, it is important not to blame family members. Learning to stop and blame the person with an eating disorder. To learn and reinforce alternative behaviors and improvements in the person with an eating disorder. Or to just take a deep breath and be patient in the face of a condition that can last a long time.
