Parents Roles in Development of Eating Disorders: How Important is the

Parents Roles in Development of Eating DisordersIntroduction Much of the literature that focuses on the parents role in the development of eating disorders is focused on the mother and the mother- little girl relationship. Studies have shown conclusively that a mothers body image and eating habits are, mirrored in her daughter, and that if she is obsessed with her own body image, it stands likely that her daughter will be the same way both growing up and in her adult life. The father, though, is often left turn out of the research except for in the basic family profile. Here, we will examine the active role that the father plays in the development of eating disorders in their daughters. First, we will explore why the fathers ideas and how they are express can lead to an eating disorder. Next, we will discuss how a daughters feelings are transformed into symptoms of eating disorders, and finally, we will conclude with how the relationship needs to change to serve up daughters reco ver from the vice of an eating disorder. The Ideas of the Father Since men in our society are encouraged to achieve but not to feel (Maine), fathering is often a difficult task for men, especially with their daughters because the relationship requires more intimacy then most men can handle (Maine). Men try to bond with their daughters a great deal with gifts or compliments, but not with interaction into their lives. Daughters look up to their fathers and want to please them, so they look around to see what makes their fathers happy and try to simulate whatever it is. The first place to look is at the relationship the father has with the mother. If a girl has an average weight mother, but constantly hears her father boost her to diet or e... ...erved their most important role model do all their lives. Thus, the cycle continues unless fathers are willing to make the effort to reach out to their children in a way that teaches love and respect based not solely on appearance. Things can change, and father/daughter relationships are a important part of the ever-increasing developments towards the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Works Cited 1. Bloom-Feshback. Historical Perspectives on the Fathers Role. In Lamb, M.E. (ed), The Role of the Father in Child Development. John Wiley Press, New York. 1981. 2. binge-eating syndrome and Anorexia Nervosa Association newsletter, Volume 13 Issue 3, Fall 1995. 3. Chemin, Kim. Reinventing Eye Modem Woman In Search of Herself. Harper and Rowe, New York. 1987. 4. Maine, Margo. Father Hunger, Fathers, Daughters, and Food. Gurze Books, Carlsbad, CA. 199 1.