The impact of the family system on the etiology, course, and prognosis of eating disorders

Abstract

There has been an ongoing debate in regards to what impacts the etiology, course, and prognosis of eating disorders. Influences such as biology, culture, media, and family have been largely researched, yet no specific cause has been identified. This study completed a literature review using journals, texts, and other related articles to analyze research done regarding the impact of the family system on eating disorder development. Specific family dynamics such as enmeshment, intrusiveness, familial discord, parental views on weight, and parental criticism and their influence on the development of eating disorders were identified and studied. Research suggested that eating disorders are highly correlated with negative family dynamics. The purpose of this literature review was to set up a design for future research to assess whether or not the family system is the primary cause of eating disorder development.