Adolescent Girls and Their Mothers Talk About Experiences of Binge and Loss of Control Eating

Abstract

Evidence suggests that adolescents’ experience of binge eating (BE) might differ in important ways from that of adults. Moreover, although BE appears more common in African American women than other disordered eating behaviors, little is known about the influence of cultural factors on this behavior in adolescents. The current investigation used qualitative methodology to examine the perceptions of White and African American adolescent girls and their mothers regarding experiences of binge and loss of control eating. Five focus groups were completed with 19 adolescent girls (aged 13–17, 58 % African American, 41 % White) who endorsed loss of control eating behaviors. Their mothers (N = 19) also completed separate, concurrent focus groups addressing food and eating behaviors. Responses to focus group questions were analyzed using thematic qualitative analysis. Adolescents’ awareness of their eating behaviors varied greatly. Girls reported some awareness of how emotions influence their eating behaviors, and described using food to achieve autonomy. Mothers evidenced awareness of their daughters’ problematic eating behaviors, the effects of emotions on eating for both their daughters and themselves, and sociocultural factors influencing diet. Data from these focus groups can inform the development of innovative interventions for adolescent girls engaging in loss of control eating.

Development and preliminary effectiveness of an innovative treatment for binge eating in racially diverse adolescent girls

“…Many also experienced too few episodes of BE and LOC eating to meet criteria, rendering them ineligible. Qualitative research provides evidence for the relative lack of concern many girls expressed about their eating behaviors in the current study; 11 many adolescents do not view BE/LOC eating as a problem. Rather, they view it as a means of asserting their independence from their parents, and appear to believe that they can simply stop this behavior at any time, and thus do not need treatment.…”

“…In the formative work conducted for the development of the intervention evaluated in this study, ( L inking I ndividuals B eing E motionally R eal, LIBER8), adolescents also noted that autonomy issues sometimes influenced their BE behavior. 11 For example, many described bingeing on “junk” foods as a way to “rebel” against their mothers. 11 Other qualitative research has identified links between LOC eating and a range of negative and positive emotions.…”

“…11 For example, many described bingeing on “junk” foods as a way to “rebel” against their mothers. 11 Other qualitative research has identified links between LOC eating and a range of negative and positive emotions. 12 Thus, for developmental reasons, adolescents might be especially susceptible to BE.…”

“…Thus, in the formative work for this study, 11,24 we conducted focus groups with the targeted population, to enhance this intervention's (LIBER8's) relevance and acceptability for this specific age group. We included both black and white girls in this formative work, as this intervention was designed to be culturally sensitive, so that no group would be excluded, but sensitivity to the intersection of diversity issues and relevant topics including food selection and body ideals, would be optimized.…”

“…We included both black and white girls in this formative work, as this intervention was designed to be culturally sensitive, so that no group would be excluded, but sensitivity to the intersection of diversity issues and relevant topics including food selection and body ideals, would be optimized. (See previous papers 11,24 for further details regarding the LIBER8 intervention).…”