Developing a parenting skills-and-support intervention for mothers with eating disorders and pre-school children part 1: Qualitative investigation of issues to include.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to (i) identify themes and issues that might usefully be addressed in a skills-and-support intervention for mothers with eating disorders who have children less than 5 years of age, and (ii) determine the most appropriate format for such an intervention.

METHOD

Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with seven mothers with eating disorders and pre-school children, and four local health professionals working with mothers of pre-school children.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed 10 themes: 'Passing on Traits', 'Food Preparation and Provision', 'Interactions Around Food and Mealtimes', 'Mother's Intake', 'Self Care', 'Self Identity and Parental Expectations', 'Impact on General Parent-Child Relationship', 'Need for Control', 'The Group Experience' and 'Practicalities and Format'.

DISCUSSION

Findings highlight a number of difficulties and concerns experienced by mothers with eating disorders who have pre-school age children. An intervention incorporating the identified themes could provide important support to this patient group and potential benefit to their offspring.