Adolescent family mealtimes. Links with mental health symptoms

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine gender differences in the relationship between family mealtime characteristics and eating psychopathology, and to explore the influence of anxiety and depression on this relationship. Cross-sectional questionnaire data were collected from 436 adolescents (228 girls and 208 boys) aged 14–18 years. Reports of more frequent family mealtimes, a more positive mealtime atmosphere and a high level of priority placed on mealtimes were associated with significantly lower levels of eating psychopathology among girls. The relationship between mealtime frequency and general levels of eating psychopathology was fully mediated by symptoms of depression. In addition, the relationship between mealtime atmosphere and levels of eating psychopathology was fully mediated by symptoms of both anxiety and depression. No significant relationships were found between family mealtime characteristics and eating psychopathology for boys. However, more frequent family mealtimes, a more positive mealtime atmosphere and higher levels of mealtime structure and priority placed on mealtimes were associated with lower levels of depression in boys. These findings suggest that engaging in family mealtimes may have a role in promoting positive mental health for adolescents, which may subsequently assist in reducing eating psychopathology for girls and low mood in boys.