"I think it is woven through me, and sadly that means it is woven through our family life": the experiences and support needs of mothers with eating disorders.

BACKGROUND

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.

METHOD

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Many adults with eating disorders are parents. Previous research studies suggest that these parents may experience particular challenges in relation to parenting, and that their children may be at greater risk of developing eating disorders themselves. We interviewed eighteen mothers who had at some point in their life been diagnosed with an eating disorder, and had experienced symptoms since becoming a parent. Interview data were analysed and four themes were identified to describe the lived experiences of mothers who have eating disorders. These themes, which we refer to as ‘parenthood as a double-edged sword’, ‘the eating disorder impacts on parenting’, ‘blame and burden’, and ‘seeking support’ suggest a complex relationship between eating disorders and being a parent. Parenting can impact eating disorders, and eating disorders can also impact parenting. The mothers who participated in our study also identified unique challenges when seeking treatment, and there is a need for support options to be developed specifically for parents with eating disorders, and for their families.

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