Dysfunctional Families
Can Contribute To Eating Disorders
Studies show that eating disorderssuch as anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating can stem from problematic relationships. Often, a troubled relationship with food is related to troubled relationships with others. For many, these difficult relationships are with family members. Research has found that families that produce members with eating disorders tend to share the following characteristics:
- Lots of rigid rules. Dysfunctional families often have lots of strict rules, which contradict one another or are applied inconsistently. Healthy families have few rigid rules and let family members question and even modify these rules when appropriate.
- Rigid family structure. In unhappy families, each family member is defined by their place within a hierarchical structure, with higher-ranking members determining the roles of lower-ranking members, often to their advantage. In well-functioning families, roles in the family are flexible, as members can grow and change.
- Family secrets. Many dysfunctional families harbor problems they see as embarrassing or shameful. Typically, revealing these secrets to those outside the family carries explicit or implied negative consequences. Healthy families are open and honest about problems within the family while still respecting of family members' privacy.
- Resistance to outsiders. A dysfunctional family resists letting in new family members, often to protect family secrets and/or to avoid criticism about the way the family functions. Functional families welcome outsiders because they see them as a way to expand the love of the family to others.
- Very serious, tense. Dysfunctional families are often devoid of laughter and lightheartedness. Happy families enjoy laughter and often laugh at themselves.
- Lack of respect for personal boundaries. Unhappy families view some family members' desire for privacy and self-awareness as an attack on the family unit. Healthy families respect and encourage personal privacy and individual growth.
- Disproportionate connection to the family. In dysfunctional families, family rules and roles dominate a member's life, even when operating outside the family. In healthy families, members, although having a sense of belonging to the family, are allowed to interact as they see fit outside of the family.
- Resistance to change. An unhealthy family avoids self-examination, and family members are not open to admitting fault. Health families allow, acknowledge and constructively resolve conflicts between members.
- The family is fragmented. Each member has a distinct role that does not change or blend with others. In healthy families, as family members are allowed and encouraged to grow and change.
These negative family traits can breed shame and guilt, which can lead to disordered eating as a response. The path to recovering from an eating disorder involves examining relationships and their effects. If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, A Place of Hope can help you look into these relationships to reach a place of understanding and peace, not blame and resentment. A Place of Hope is a treatment center that uses a whole-person approach to treating eating disorders as well as depression, addiction and other ailments. Contact us today to seek treatment.
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