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The relationship between parental bonding, social problem solving and eating pathology in an anorexic inpatient sample
Author(s) -
Swanson Helen,
Power Kevin,
Collin Paula,
Deas Suzanne,
Paterson Gillian,
Grierson David,
Yellowlees Alex,
Park Katy,
Taylor Louise
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.967
Subject(s) - eating disorders , psychopathology , anorexia nervosa , psychology , coping (psychology) , clinical psychology , anorexia , disordered eating , psychiatry , medicine , pathology
Objective Parental relationships and maladaptive problem solving have been associated with anorexic symptomatology. This study investigates the relationship between perceived parental bonding, social problem solving and eating psychopathology. Methods Forty three female inpatients with anorexia nervosa and 76 student controls were assessed using the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Social Problem Solving Inventory and the Eating Disorders Examination or the Eating Disorders Examination‐Questionnaire. Results The anorexic group reported significantly lower levels of parental care than the student control group and used more negative and avoidance style coping. In the anorexic group, disordered eating was significantly correlated with low maternal care and high control. Maternal bonding was found to mediate the relationship between avoidance style coping and eating pathology. Conclusions Findings suggest a relationship between maternal bonding, the use of maladaptive problem solving techniques and eating disorder pathology in inpatients with anorexia nervosa. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.