The Relationship between Dysfunctional Family Environments and Family Member Food Intake

Abstract

The purpose qf this exploratory study is to determine the strength and direction of relationships between Moos Family Environment Variables and family food intake. The sample consisted qf42 young families with children who were mailed questionnaires following telephone interviews. Findings indicate that there is a significant negative relationship between the family's dysfunctional environment (as indicated by high conflict, control, and organization) and family dietary intake (as indicated by a high NutritionalAdequacy Reporting System score). A significant positive relationship was found between the family's cohesive and independent environments and dietary intake. On the basis qfthis first study, it appears that further investigation is justified in order to verify a link between dysfunctional family environments and a predisposition to eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa. Findings from this first study are tentative but reinforce the systems view and indicate that family members do exhibit the nature of the family environment through their own eating behaviors. Further study is in process.