PARENTING STYLES AND ITS IMPACT ON EATING DISORDERS

Abstract

This research paper examines the impact of parenting styles on eating disorders and explores the relationship between different parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive— and their influence on the development and maintenance of eating disorders. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how parenting styles can contribute to the risk or resilience of individuals towards eating disorders. Through an extensive review of existing literature, the findings of this research indicate that parenting styles significantly impact the occurrence and severity of eating disorders. The authoritative parenting style, characterised by high levels of warmth, support, and reasonable control, emerges as a protective factor against the development of eating disorders. Individuals raised in authoritative households tend to exhibit lower levels of disordered eating behaviours, higher self-esteem, and a healthier body image perception. Conversely, the authoritarian parenting style, characterised by strict rules, high expectations, and low warmth, is associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders. Individuals raised in authoritarian households are more likely to display higher levels of disordered eating patterns, experience greater body dissatisfaction, and struggle with low self-esteem. Similarly, the permissive parenting style, characterised by low control and few rules, is also linked to a higher risk of eating disorders. Individuals raised in permissive households tend to demonstrate higher levels of impulsivity, reduced self-control, and increased vulnerability to societal pressures regarding body image. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of parenting styles in shaping individuals' vulnerability to eating disorders. The findings underscore the importance of promoting authoritative parenting practices to reduce the risk of eating disorders and emphasise the need for parental education programs and interventions. Such interventions can