Environments of Extremes: Adolescent-Onset Eating Disorders in Families with Substance-Abusing Parents
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Authors
Gunter, Ashley N.
Issue Date
2010
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Eating disorders are among the most lethal disorders in the DSM-IV-TR (APA, 2000; Harris & Barraclough, 1998). Numerous studies have found a correlation between substance-abusing parents and disordered eating in children (i.e., Krug et al., 2009, Redgrave, Coughlin, Heinberg, & Guarda, 2007; Strober & Bulik, 2002). Using a qualitative, grounded-theory design, this study explored the relationship between substance-abusing parents and adolescent-onset eating disorders. Common parental characteristics and family dynamics emerged, including parental absence and parental demands, emotional avoidance and emotional explosion, conflict avoidance and aggressive confrontation, lack of control and over-control, and poor communication. Most importantly, the families were characterized by unpredictable oscillations between these extreme polarities, and, as children, participants felt emotionally unsupported and fearful. They lacked control within their families and felt pressure to live up to their parents' expectations. Due to the parents' unhealthy emotional coping, avoidance behaviors, and lack of communication, the participants had difficulty with emotional awareness and emotional coping. Their disordered eating helped them manage their emotions and provided them with a sense of control. The important role of emotional awareness and regulation in eating disorders can guide treatment interventions.