Chapman Laura, Cartwright-Hatton Sam, Lester Kathryn J
School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QH, UK.
J Eat Disord. 2023 Aug 29;11(1):147. doi: 10.1186/s40337-023-00868-y.
Eating disorders may disrupt parenting, and there is evidence to suggest that the children of parents with eating disorders are at greater risk for the development of eating disorders themselves. This study sought to broaden and extend current understandings of the lived experiences of mothers who have eating disorders.
A qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted. Eighteen mothers living in the UK, USA, and Australia took part in semi-structured online interviews. Participants were mothers to at least one child aged two years or older, had received a lifetime diagnosis of one or more eating disorders, and reported experiencing symptoms since becoming a parent.
Data were analysed using an inductive approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Four major themes, each with subthemes, were identified. These were: parenthood as a double-edged sword; the eating disorder impacts on parenting; blame and burden; and seeking support.
The lived experiences of mothers indicate a complex relationship between eating disorders and parenthood. While parenting can impact eating disorders, eating disorders can also impact parenting, in a range of ways that extend beyond the domains of food, eating and the body. There is a pressing need for the development of specialised, non-judgemental support options for parents with eating disorders and their families.
饮食失调可能会扰乱养育子女的过程，并且有证据表明，患有饮食失调症的父母的孩子自身患饮食失调症的风险更高。本研究旨在拓宽和扩展目前对患有饮食失调症的母亲的生活经历的理解。
采用主题分析法进行了一项定性研究。18位居住在英国、美国和澳大利亚的母亲参与了半结构化的在线访谈。参与者是至少有一个两岁或以上孩子的母亲，曾被诊断患有一种或多种饮食失调症，并且自成为父母以来一直有相关症状。
采用归纳法对数据进行反思性主题分析。确定了四个主要主题，每个主题都有子主题。它们分别是：为人父母是把双刃剑；饮食失调对养育子女的影响；指责与负担；以及寻求支持。
母亲们的生活经历表明饮食失调与为人父母之间存在复杂的关系。虽然养育子女会影响饮食失调，但饮食失调也会以一系列超出食物、饮食和身体范畴的方式影响养育子女。迫切需要为患有饮食失调症的父母及其家人开发专门的、无偏见的支持方案。
