AN EVALUATION INTO THE ROLE OF FAMILY DYNAMICS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EATING DISORDERS AMONG  ADOLESCENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Eating disorders (EDs) are intricate mental health illnesses defined by atypical eating behaviours that may severely affect physical health, emotional stability, and social interactions (American Psychiatric Association, 2015). The incidence of eating disorders (EDs) among teenagers has increased, with research suggesting that about 3% are impacted by anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder (Sundbom & Råstam, 2019). Considering the significant developmental transformations throughout adolescence, it is important to comprehend the variables that lead to the onset of these illnesses. Family interactions are seen as a crucial factor in the development of eating disorders in teenagers. The familial environment comprises several components, such as parenting methodologies, communication dynamics, and the general emotional atmosphere inside the home (Keel & Forney, 2016). Studies indicate that adolescents encountering adverse familial connections, characterised by elevated conflict or less support, have a heightened risk of developing disordered eating behaviours (Levine & Murnen, 2019). These behaviours often emerge as efforts to exert control or as reactions to family demands over beauty and weight (Luthar & Becker, 2022).

A crucial element of family dynamics is the impact of parental influence on body image and dietary perceptions. Parents often act as role models for their offspring, and their attitudes about weight and diets might influence teenagers' body image (Culbert et al., 2020). Parental criticism about weight might increase the likelihood of body dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating behaviours in children (Lowe et al., 2019). Furthermore, parents who prioritise thinness as an aesthetic benchmark may unintentionally foster disordered eating patterns in teenagers striving to achieve these unattainable norms (Fulkerson et al., 2019). The influence of family structure is significant and cannot be disregarded. Adolescents from homes exhibiting strong cohesiveness and support often have healthy connections with food and body image, whereas those from discordant households may be more vulnerable to eating disorders (Rosen & LeMoult, 2016). The quality of parent-child connections is crucial; pleasant interactions might enhance resistance against the stresses that contribute to eating disorders (Bulik et al., 2021). In contrast, teenagers who see their familial ties as stressed or inadequate may engage in maladaptive coping strategies, such as disordered eating. Despite the extensive research on the impact of family dynamics on the emergence of eating disorders, there are still deficiencies in comprehending the precise processes via which these dynamics affect their impacts. Certain research have emphasised the impact of media and cultural influences in amplifying familial influence, indicating that familial elements do not function independently (Bardone-Cone & Cass, 2016). This intricate link necessitates a holistic approach to elucidate the complicated interactions among familial dynamics, social factors, and the development of eating disorders. Therefore, the researcher sought to evaluate the role of family dynamics in the development of eating disorders among  adolescents.

1.2 Statement of the problem 

The incidence of eating disorders among teenagers has emerged as a critical public health issue, with rising rates documented worldwide (Bulik et al., 2021). Familial dynamics significantly influence the development of these illnesses, since family connections, communication patterns, and parenting styles may either exacerbate or alleviate the risk of harmful eating behaviours (Keenan et al., 2019). Adolescents often traverse intricate familial connections, which may affect their self-esteem, body image, and eating behaviours (Levine & Murnen, 2019). The complex nature of family dynamics, encompassing parental attitudes towards weight, familial conflict, and the quality of parent-child relationships, requires thorough analysis to comprehend how these factors influence adolescent health (Culbert et al., 2020). Notwithstanding previous studies, a gap persists in comprehending the precise processes by which family dynamics influence the emergence and continuation of eating disorders in teenagers. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the role of family dynamics in the development of eating disorders among  adolescents.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to evaluate the role of family dynamics in the development of eating disorders among  adolescents. The specific objectives is as follows

To identify the prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents

To examine the impact of parenting styles on the development of eating disorders in adolescents.

To analyze the relationship between family communication patterns and the occurrence of disordered eating behaviors among adolescents.

To provide recommendations aimed at preventing eating disorders among adolescents

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What is the prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents?

What is the impact of parenting styles on the development of eating disorders in adolescents?

Is there a relationship between family communication patterns and the occurrence of disordered eating behaviors among adolescents?

What are the recommendations aimed at preventing eating disorders among adolescents?

1.5 Significance of the study

The findings of this study can inform policies and programs aimed at preventing eating disorders. Educational campaigns focused on healthy family dynamics and the promotion of positive body image can be developed based on the research outcomes.

 Findings of the study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on the role of family dynamics in the development of eating disorders among  adolescents. Empirically, the study will identify the prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents, examine the impact of parenting styles on the development of eating disorders in adolescents, analyze the relationship between family communication patterns and the occurrence of disordered eating behaviors among adolescents and provide recommendations aimed at preventing eating disorders among adolescents.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to adolescents in Shomolu, Lagos State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Eating Disorders: A range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits that negatively affect physical and mental health. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

Adolescents: Individuals typically aged between 10 and 19 years, a developmental stage marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. This period is crucial for identity formation and establishing healthy behaviors.

Family Dynamics: The patterns of interaction and relationships among family members, including communication styles, roles, and behavioral norms. Family dynamics can significantly influence individual behavior and psychological well-being.

Parenting Styles: The psychological construct representing how parents respond to and make demands on their children. Common styles include authoritative (balanced approach with warmth and structure), authoritarian (strict and controlling), permissive (lenient with few rules), and neglectful (uninvolved).

Body Image: An individual's perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about their physical appearance. Body image can be positive or negative and is influenced by various factors, including family, media, and peer interactions .

Disordered Eating Behaviors: Abnormal eating habits that may include restrictive eating, binge eating, purging, or other unhealthy practices related to food intake and body weight. These behaviors may not meet the full criteria for eating disorders but can still pose health risks.

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