Informing family approaches to eating disorder prevention: perspectives of those who have been there.

Objective: The study explored how aspects of the family environment may relate to the onset of eating disorders.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 individuals currently receiving treatment for eating disorders. Data were analyzed using principles of content analysis.

Results: Eight themes emerged regarding recommendations for families to prevent the onset of eating disorders: (1) Enhance parental support; (2) Decrease weight and body talk; (3) Provide a supportive home food environment; (4) Model healthy eating habits and physical activity patterns; (5) Help your children build self-esteem beyond looks and physical appearance; (6) Encourage appropriate expression of feelings and use of coping mechanisms; (7) Increase your understanding of eating disorder signs and symptoms; and (8) Gain support in dealing appropriately with your own struggles.

Discussion: Our results can be utilized to generate new theoretical insights as to how parents can raise children with healthy weight-related attitudes and behaviors.