Do dysfunctional coping modes mediate the relationship between perceived parenting style and disordered eating behaviours?
BACKGROUND
Preliminary studies suggest that both childhood experiences and coping behaviours may be linked to eating disorder symptoms.


METHODS
In this study maladaptive schema coping modes were investigated as mediators in the relationship between perceived negative parenting and disordered eating. A total of 174 adults with eating and/or body image concerns completed questionnaires measuring parenting experiences, schema modes, and disordered eating behaviours.


RESULTS
Perfectionistic Overcontroller, Self-Aggrandiser, Compliant Surrenderer, Detached Protector and Detached Self-Soother coping modes partially explained the variance in the relationships between perceived negative parenting experiences and the behaviours of restricting and compensation (purging and overexercising).


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that Overcompensatory, Avoidant and Surrender coping mechanisms all appear to play a role in the maintenance of eating disorder symptoms, and that there are multiple complex relationships between these and Early Maladaptive Schemas that warrant further investigation.
School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, North Tce, Adelaide, 5005 SA Australia.
Jessica M
JM
Brown
Psychology Clinic, School of Psychology, Social Work, and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Magill Campus, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, 5001 SA Australia.
Stephanie
S
Selth
School of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA Australia.
Alexander
A
Stretton
Psychology Clinic, School of Psychology, Social Work, and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Magill Campus, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, 5001 SA Australia.
Susan
0000-0002-9625-0797
S
Simpson
Coping; Eating disorders; Parenting; Schema Therapy; Schema modes