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Conflict between mothers with eating disorders and their infants during mealtimes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Alan Stein ,
Helen Woolley  and
Klim McPherson
Alan Stein*
Affiliation:
Leopold Muller University Department, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London and the Tavistock Clinic, London
Helen Woolley
Affiliation:
Leopold Muller University Department, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London and the Tavistock Clinic, London
Klim McPherson
Affiliation:
Cancer and Public Health Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
*
Professor A. Stein, Leopold Muller University Department, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF
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Abstract

Background

In a recent study, 20% of the variance in the weight of infants of mothers with eating disorders was accounted for by mealtime conflict.

Aims

To investigate the antecedents and interactive processes involved in the development of such conflict.

Method

Mothers with eating disorders and their 12-month-old infants (n=34) and a comparison group (n=24) were videotaped during infant mealtimes. Specific classes of antecedents to conflict episodes were identified. An examination was then made of all such antecedents not leading to conflict and the mother–infant responses to each antecedent.

Results

Within the index group, conflict was less likely when mothers acknowledged infants' cues and were able to put aside their own concerns. The relationship between maternal responses and the evolution of conflictual interaction was confirmed in multiple regression analyses including both index and comparison groups.

Conclusions

Mothers' and infants' responses to potential antecedents to conflict had an impact on whether mealtime conflict ensued. Conflict arose because maternal eating disorder psychopathology interfered with aspects of responsive parenting.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 175 , Issue 5 , November 1999 , pp. 455 - 461
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

Declaration of interest

The study was funded by the Wellcome Trust.

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