EATING DISTURBANCES, DIABETES AND THE FAMILY - AN EMPIRICAL-STUDY

This study of 113 adolescent females with IDDM and their mothers inves tigated whether: (I) interaction patterns are more dysfunctional in fa milies of girls with eating disturbances than in those without; and (2 ) the relationship between family functioning and metabolic control is mediated by an eating disturbance. Based on self-reported eating atti tudes and behaviors, subjects were categorized as Nondisturbed (N=56), Mildly Disturbed (N=37), and Highly Disturbed (hi 20). Mothers and da ughters rated overall family functioning (FES), and daughters rated pa rental relationships (IPPA, MFP). Metabolic control was assessed using Hb(alc) levels. MANCOVA illustrated that eating disturbances are asso ciated with the perception of poor communication with mothers and fath ers, a lack of trust in their accessibility and responsiveness, and ov erall family environments perceived to be conflictual and inadequate i n support and structure. Regression analyses revealed that the presenc e and severity of an eating disturbance mediates the influence of fami ly functioning on metabolic control. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.