Body image in patients with eating disorders and their mothers, and the role of family functioning

Abstract

Objective: Little is known about body images of mothers of patients with eating disorders. In this study we investigated body image in patients with eating disorders and in their mothers, and the relationship of their body images with family functioning.

Methods: A computer program was used that allows modeling perceived and desired body images of patients and their mothers. Patients and mothers estimated their own body images and mothers estimated the images they have of their daughters with eating disorders. The selected images were compared to anthropometric data and family functioning according to the Family Assessment Measure. Data from 29 patients with the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and 20 patients with bulimia nervosa are presented.

Results: Both in patients with anorexia and in patients with bulimia, aspects of family functioning were associated with mothers' and daughters' perceptual body size distortion and body dissatisfaction. Mothers' perception of family functioning predicted daughters' perceptual body size distortion and body dissatisfaction in the total sample of 49 patients.

Conclusion: Body images of mothers and mothers' perceptions of family functioning may provide additional information for the treatment of patients with eating disorders.