Parental reflective functioning among mothers with eating disorder symptomatology. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Claydon, Elizabeth; Zerwas, Stephanie; Callinan, Laura; Smith, Megan V.
• Is Part Of: Eating behaviors. Volume 23(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 144
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Reflective functioning -- Eating disorders -- Parenting -- Motherhood -- Mentalization; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; Compulsive eating -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2016.09.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-0153

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Reflective Functioning is a vital aspect of parental aptitude and its absence, especially in the presence of psychopathology, can impair attachment. This study sought to clarify the relationship of parental RF among mothers with eating disorder symptomatology. Method: We assessed 59 mothers for ED symptomatology using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and RF through the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ). Bivariate and multivariate analyses compared PRFQ subscales between symptomatic and asymptomatic mothers, using a clinical cutoff score of 4 on the EDE-Q subscales. RESULTS: Greater weight and shape concerns were found to significantly predict higher RF (p = 0.023; p = 0.026). Discussion: This finding could indicate a similar pattern seen among individuals with bulimia nervosa; individuals have higher RF scores, although affect regulation may still be limited. More research is needed with a larger sample to define the relationship between ED symptomatology and RF and identify potential mediators and moderators. Highlights: One-quarter of mothers in this cohort had clinically significant eating disorder symptomatology. Greater weight and shape concerns were correlated with higher reflective functioning. Effect sizes for PRFQ subscales were moderate and will be useful for future research in this area. Potential mediators between eating disorder symptomatology and parenting need to be identified. Parenting interventions may help mothers with eating disorder symptomatology and their children.