Reciprocal Associations Between Eating Pathology and Parent-Daughter Relationships Across Adolescence: A Monozygotic Twin Differences Study.

Laurel M Korotana,Kristin M Von Ranson,William G Iacono,Sylia Wilson

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00914

Laurel M Korotana, Kristin M Von Ranson + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00914

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Abstract

This prospective study explored longitudinal, bidirectional associations between eating pathology and perceptions of the parent-child relationship (i.e., parent-child regard and involvement) across adolescence. Specifically, this study examined whether twin differences in mother-daughter and father-daughter relationship problems emerged as a risk factor for, or outcome of, twin differences in eating pathology. By examining twin differences, this study explored associations between variables while controlling for shared environmental and genetic effects. A population-based sample of 446 monozygotic twin girls and their mothers completed questionnaires when twins were approximately 11, 14, and 17 years. Responses were analyzed using longitudinal cross-lagged models. Overall, few strong longitudinal associations were observed. Where longitudinal associations emerged, overall patterns indicated reciprocal associations that shifted across adolescence. Whereas twin differences in parent-daughter relationship variables more often predicted later twin differences in eating pathology across early adolescence, conversely, twin differences in eating pathology more often predicted later twin differences in parent-daughter relationship variables across later adolescence. In particular, the twin who reported greater eating pathology later reported more negative perceptions of the father-daughter relationship, as compared to her co-twin. Findings raise questions for future research regarding parental—in particular, paternal—responses to adolescent eating pathology and suggest the potential importance of efforts to support the parent-daughter relationship within the context of adolescent eating pathology.

Highlights

Eating disorders are associated with severe negative implications for social, emotional, and functional well-being, and are often accompanied by serious medical complications (Klump et al, 2009)
For adolescents receiving treatment for eating pathology, these findings suggest interventions may be more successful if they strengthen parent-child relationships, as negative family relationships impact the family’s ability to care for those with eating disorders
The current study highlights reciprocal associations between symptoms of eating pathology and perceptions of the parent-daughter relationship that varied dependent on the developmental period examined, the specific relationship being rated, and the rater of the relationship

Summary

Introduction

Eating disorders are associated with severe negative implications for social, emotional, and functional well-being, and are often accompanied by serious medical complications (Klump et al, 2009). Eating Pathology and Parent-Daughter Relationships subclinical eating pathology—which is often associated with negative psychosocial and medical challenges similar to those observed among clinical eating disorders (Thomas et al, 2009)— is even more prevalent. Recognizing the widespread prevalence of eating pathology (i.e., both clinical and subclinical symptoms of eating disorders) and substantial implications for health and psychosocial well-being, understanding and reducing eating pathology is imperative. One factor that has oft been considered in the development of eating pathology is the parent-child relationship. A better understanding of the specific nature of associations between eating pathology and the parent-child relationship may have implications for eating pathology prevention and treatment research, including development of programs to reduce eating pathology

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