VCU researches helping parents with eating disorders

By Mike Frontiero
VCU School of Education

RICHMOND, Va. (Sept. 15, 2004) – Virginia Commonwealth University researchers are studying the relationship between women’s eating disorders and their children’s eating behaviors, self-esteem and levels of exercise.

Previous studies suggest that children of mothers with current or past eating problems may be at-risk for developing eating disorders themselves. The VCU researchers say few resources exist in the Richmond area to help these women address their parenting concerns. The study’s goal is to develop a program that will help mothers prevent their children from developing eating disorders.

“We have been receiving more and more calls from moms who are concerned about the effect of their own eating problems on their children and their parenting,” said Suzanne E. Mazzeo, Ph.D., assistant professor in VCU’s Department of Psychology and the lead investigator of the study. “We would like to better understand the concerns of these mothers and help them to protect their children from developing eating problems.”

Several women already have participated in the study and based on the results to date a prevention program is being designed to help mothers:

* positively influence their children’s eating and exercise behavior;
* help their children develop self-esteem that is not based on appearance;
* help their children avoid being influenced by media images of “perfect” bodies and, 
* raise emotionally intelligent children capable of managing stress successfully.

Researchers hope to break the cycle of problematic eating and to encourage healthy eating and exercise behaviors.