The impact of family of origin alcoholism on the development of eating disorders
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Authors
Johansen, Penny
Issue Date
1990
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This exploratory study compared the perceptions of the family of origin environment and coping styles of twenty-eight female self-identified adult children of alcoholics (ACAs). Each participant was assigned to one of two study groups according to the results of a self-report scale, which assessed for the presence of eating disordered behaviors. Groups were identified as "with eating disorders," ED (n = 13), and "without eating disorders," NON-ED (n = 15). Data derived from a self-report questionnaire which incorporated two standardized instruments were employed to assess similarities and differences between groups on the following variables: (1) perception of family of origin dynamics, such as cohesion, expressiveness, independence, conflict, and control; and (2) preference for coping styles, including denial, intellectualization, projection, regression, and turning-against-the self. ACAs with eating disorders scored family of origin functioning significantly lower in independence than ACAs without eating disorders. No significant differences were found between groups on any other measure. Denial was depicted as the defense mechanism preferred by both groups. Results suggest the possibility of an association between the degree to which alcoholic families of origin are oriented toward independence and the development of eating disorders in ACAs.