How do conflict and communication patterns between fathers and daughters contribute to or offset eating disorders?
As many as 22% of young women regularly engage in eating disordered behaviors. Research indicates eating disorders are a result of a complex set of factors, including family environment. This survey research with 210 undergraduate women at 2 universities tests the possibility that father-daughter communication and conflict resolution are related to eating disordered behaviors. Results indicate skilled conflict resolution and open communication between father and daughter may offset eating disorders. A lack of those skills or attempting to resolve conflict in ways that do not offer long-term resolution for both father and daughter can lead to increased eating disordered behaviors. Implications are discussed.
Botta
Renée A
RA
Department of Communication, Cleveland State University, OH 44115, USA. r.botta@csuohio.edu
Dumlao
Rebecca
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005195:Family Relations; D005219:Father-Child Relations; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017008:Negotiating; D009679:Nuclear Family / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States