Helicopter Parenting: The Impact on Eating Disorders & Body Image
Written by Emily Costa
In today's image-conscious society, body image issues and disordered eating patterns have become prevalent in many people's lives. These struggles are complex, often stemming from a multitude of factors. One such aspect, which we'll explore in this blog, is the role of so-called 'helicopter parenting' and how it can impact the development of disordered eating behaviors, as supported by a new study. Join us as we delve deeper into how parental behavior can impact their child's perception of their body and their relationship with food.
What is helicopter parenting?
Helicopter parenting is a form of overparenting where parents excessively monitor their children's activities and heavily involve themselves in every aspect of their lives. While often stemming from a good place, this type of parenting style can hinder the development of the child's independence, self-confidence, and ability to navigate challenges. For example, a helicopter parent might constantly check homework, excessively control their child's schedules, and intervene unnecessarily in their child's conflicts, thereby restricting the child's problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Causes of Helicopter Parenting
The causes of helicopter parenting are multifarious and often interconnected. Some parents may adopt this style due to their own anxieties and insecurities. For instance, they might fear that their child will fail or experience hardship, and therefore try to prevent these outcomes by taking excessive control. Media influence also contributes to this parenting style, as constant news about potential dangers and the competitive nature of society can stoke parental fears.
Furthermore, societal expectations and pressure, such as the desire for children to succeed academically or socially, can also lead parents to over-manage their children's lives. Lastly, some parents may resort to helicopter parenting in response to their own upbringing. If they felt their parents were neglectful or not involved enough, they might overcompensate by becoming overly involved in their children's lives.
Different Types of Parenting Styles
Parenting styles can be broadly categorized into four main types: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved.
Authoritative Parenting
Characterized by high responsiveness and high demands, authoritative parents engage in clear, open communication with their children, set reasonable expectations, and provide the necessary support. Such parents tend to raise children who are confident, competent, and responsible.
Authoritarian Parenting
Unlike authoritative parents, authoritarian parents impose high demands but are not responsive to their children's needs. They set strict rules with little room for negotiation and expect their children to follow them without question. Children of authoritarian parents may become obedient and proficient but may have lower self-esteem.
Permissive Parenting
Permissive or indulgent parents exhibit high responsiveness but low demands. They often act more like a friend than a parent, setting few rules and providing little guidance. Children of permissive parents may struggle with self-control and self-discipline.
Uninvolved Parenting
Uninvolved parents, sometimes referred to as neglectful parents, show neither responsiveness nor demand. They provide their children with basic needs but largely stay detached from their lives. This lack of guidance and interaction can cause children to struggle academically and emotionally.
It's important to note that these categories serve as general guidelines, and most parents incorporate aspects of more than one style into their parenting approach. The impact of each parenting style can vary significantly and is often influenced by a variety of factors such as cultural, social, and individual child characteristics.
What is a 'healthy', 'normal' parenting style?
A healthy, normal parenting style is characterized by a balance of guidance and independence, known as authoritative parenting. Authoritative parents set expectations and rules but also respect their children's autonomy. They are communicative and nurturing, fostering a comfortable environment for their child to express their thoughts and feelings without fear. Encouraging age-appropriate independence helps the child develop self-confidence and resilience. Mistakes and failures are viewed as learning opportunities rather than severe setbacks.
Just as every individual is unique, every child has distinct needs, capabilities, and ways of understanding the world. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, as what works best for one child may not be ideal for another. Despite these differences, a universal aspect of effective parenting is fostering independence where possible.
How does parenting style affect one's relationship with food and body image?
The style of parenting significantly impacts a child's relationship with food and body image. Overly involved parents, like helicopter parents, may control their child's food choices excessively. Or, put such pressure on the child to be ‘perfect’ in multiple areas of life, that they turn to food to cope.
This can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food, as children may associate eating with stress, guilt, or rebellion. They might also internalize their parents' obsession with health and appearance, leading to body dysmorphia. Similarly, parents who reward or show affection with food may inadvertently cause their children to develop emotional eating habits.
Conversely, authoritative parents, characterized by their balanced approach, tend to foster a healthier relationship with food and body image in their children. They promote balanced, mindful eating and engage their children in physical activities for enjoyment rather than appearance. Additionally, they affirm their child's worth beyond physical appearance, which can contribute to a positive body image. Therefore, parenting style matters in shaping a child's perception of food and their body.
Related: 5 Ways to Raise Body Confident Children
A new study sheds light on helicopter parenting and unhealthy behaviors
The Journal of Affective Disorders recently published a study that identified a distinct correlation between 'helicopter parenting' - a term used to denote excessive parental involvement - and the onset of unhealthy behaviors in children. These behaviors include obsessively picking at their skin and an excessive preoccupation with their physical appearance.
An online questionnaire was administered to over 700 Italian individuals, with ages ranging from 18 to 77 years.
Various questions were utilized to evaluate body dysmorphia, the extent of parental over-control, and exposure to diverse forms of childhood trauma. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental condition characterized by an individual's fixation on an imagined defect in their physical appearance. In the United States, BDD diagnoses exceed 200,000 annually. Research indicates that nearly 38% of individuals with BDD also suffer from an eating disorder or stand a considerable risk of developing one. The investigators confirmed through statistical analysis that parental over-control is associated with more intense symptoms of dysmorphia.
Body image issues, according to these adjusted internal viewpoints, could be explained through feelings of shame, fear, and anticipation of societal rejection. Parents who are excessively controlling may lead their child to experience feelings of powerlessness and incompetence, which could translate into bodily embarrassment or anxiety. The study also suggested that 'parental interference' may hinder the child's capacity to handle internal states, giving rise to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as restrictive eating habits. Past research has associated over-controlling parenting to eating disorders. A review of research from 2020 cited multiple studies that demonstrated dysfunctional parent-child bonding characterized by extreme control in individuals suffering from eating disorders.
The Multifaceted Nature of Eating Disorders
While parenting styles certainly have a profound impact on a child's relationship with food and their body image, it is essential to understand that eating disorders do not have a singular cause. They are intricate and multifaceted conditions that stem from a complex interplay of genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors. It's an oversimplification to attribute disordered eating behaviors solely to parental influence. Genetics play a role in predisposing certain individuals to these disorders, and psychological factors like low self-esteem, perfectionism, and personality disorders can also contribute to their onset. Moreover, societal pressure and the sometimes unrealistic beauty standards portrayed by the media can further exacerbate these issues. Therefore, it is crucial to approach this issue from a comprehensive, multi-faceted perspective.
The Role of Family Therapy in Eating Disorder Treatment
Family therapy plays a critical role in the treatment of eating disorders. This therapeutic approach recognizes the influence of the family dynamic on the individual's disorder and seeks to involve family members in the treatment process. It operates on the premise that the family, as the primary social unit, can either contribute to or aid in the resolution of the eating disorder.
The purpose of family therapy is multi-faceted. Primarily, it seeks to educate the family about eating disorders, disordered eating patterns, and body dysmorphia. By increasing understanding, the family can better support their loved one in their journey to recovery. Moreover, family therapy aims to improve communication within the family, providing a safe space for the individual to express their feelings and experiences related to their disorder. It also targets the transformation of unhealthy dynamics that might have contributed to the development or maintenance of the eating disorder, such as those fostered by helicopter parenting.
Further, family therapy aligns the family with the treatment goals, fostering a united front against the disorder. Family members learn strategies to create a healthy, supportive home environment that encourages balanced eating habits and a positive body image. Therefore, family therapy is an integral component of comprehensive eating disorder treatment, capitalizing on the family's potential as a resource for recovery.
If you or your loved one are struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder, we encourage you to find support to begin the journey to recovery. To learn more about Central Coast Treatment Center’s treatment programs, please reach out to us today.
Emily Costa
Having struggled with an eating disorder herself, Emily is passionate about spreading awareness, education and the possibility of recovery with others. Emily previously volunteered as a Crisis Text Line counselor and with the eating disorder non-profit Project HEAL where she served as their blog manager, their NYC Chapter Leader & a recovery mentor in their Communities of HEALing pilot program completing training by the Carolyn Costin Institute. Emily now enjoys working with various treatment centers, clinicians and non-profits in the eating disorder community providing marketing and design services. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, hanging with her dogs, and reading a book at the beach.