Psychosocial risk factors of loss of control eating in primary school children: A retrospective case‐control study

Abstract

To provide a comprehensive investigation of the retrospective correlates of loss of control (LOC) over eating in children close to the onset of their first LOC eating episodes. A community-based, case-control design was used to compare matched groups of 60 children with and without LOC eating. Retrospective correlates were assessed using a child-adapted version of the Oxford Risk Factor Interview. Children with LOC eating revealed greater levels of exposure to parental problems, (e.g., underinvolvement, arguments, and depression of family members) and dieting-related risk factors than children without LOC eating. Predictors of LOC eating were risk correlates parental underinvolvement, and critical comments by the family and the critical life event change of school. Results underline the influence of parental behavior and the impact of dieting behavior on the development of non-normative eating in middle childhood.