Codependency as a mediator between stressful events and eating disorders

Abstract

This study examined the role of codependency in the relationship between stressful events and the development of eating disorders. Ninety-five undergraduate women completed the Codependency Assessment, the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, the Differentiation of Self Scale, and an open-ended questionnaire asking about stressful experiences, including relationships with alcoholic family members. Results supported the hypothesis that women who reported experience with an alcoholic significant other or a chronic stressful situation exhibited higher levels of eating disordered behavior. However, a family history of parental alcohol abuse alone did not result in differences in eating disorder symptoms. Further, women who exhibited more characteristics of codependency (e.g., caretaking, needs for control) also evidenced more eating disorder symptoms. The findings suggest a developmental sequence, whereby codependency mediates the relationship between excessive stress and the development of an eating disorder.

The Development and Testing of the Codependency-Overeating Model in Undergraduate Social Science Students in a Mississippi College

“…The cost of obesity totals US$147 billion annually and accounts for 9.7% of all medical spending (Flaskerud, 2010). The psychological and behavioral factors surrounding overeating are noted frequently in the literature; however, these are not emphasized in most prevention and treatment programs for overeating (Bulik & Taylor, 2005;Gambon & DeLuca, 2008;Linde et al, 2004;Meyer, 1997, Wyatt, Winters, & Dubbert, 2006. Considering the cost, fiscally, physically, and psychologically, more effective treatment for eating disorders should be a priority for behavioral health and mental health nurses (Roman & Reay, 2009).…”

“…Meyer (1997) examined anorexia and bulimia, whereas Meyer and Russell (1998) examined eating disorders, particularly bulimia. Allison (2005) assessed the influence of codependency and binge eating on body mass index (BMI).…”

Factors that Influence Body Dissatisfaction: Comparisons across Culture and Gender

“…Differentiation of self is negatively related to anxious attachment (Skowron & Dendy, 2004;Skowron & Schmitt, 2003). Links have also been found between low levels of differentiation and eating disorder symptoms, particularly in regards to beliefs about personal inadequacy and the pursuit of thinness (Friedlander & Siegel, 1990;Meyer, 1997). Therefore, it is expected that differentiation of self will also be inversely related to body dissatisfaction in that those who are able to take I positions may not be as influenced by group norms regarding appearance and thus less subject to body dissatisfaction.…”

The Development, Reliability, and Validity of a Clinical Rating Scale for Codependency

“…Nelson-Zlupko, Kauffman & Dore 1995;Swigonski 1994;Collins 1993;Haaken 1993;Longino 1993;Asher 1992;Frank & Golden 1992;Haaken 1992;Finagrette 1991;Katz & Aimee 1991;Harper & Capdevial 1990;Krestan & Bepko 1990;Asher & Brissett 1988); and methodologists designed self-report measures to operationalize codependency for empirical research (e.g. Lindley, Giordano & Hammer 1999 ;Pidcock & Fischer 1998;Meyer 1997;Crothers & Warren 1996;Roehling & Gaumond 1996;Te ichman & Basha 1996;Cowan, Bommersbach & Curtis 1995;Hinklin & Kahn 1995 ;Irwin 1995;Martin & Piazza 1995;Clark & Stoffel 1992;Fischer & Crawford 1992;0' Brien & Gaborit 1992;Fischer, Spann & Crawford 1991;Wright & Wright 1991;Wright & Wright 1990 In one series of studies, Fischer, Spann, and Crawford (1991 ), Fischer and Crawford (1992); and Fischer, Wampler, Lyness, and Thomas (1992) defined codependency as a dys functional pattern of relating to others with "an extreme fo cus outside oneself, lack of open expression of feelings, and attempts to derive a sense of purpose [exclusively] through relationships" with others. The investigators de veloped a self-rating scale to operationalize that definition and used it to examine the association among codependency, fam ily substance abuse, family functioning, risk taking, parent-child relationships, and offspring alcoholism in samples drawn from self help groups and university stu dents.…”