Experiences with family relationships following eating disorders: a roller coaster of emotions

TL;DR

This study explores how eating disorders affect family relationships, revealing emotional highs and lows and the importance of solidarity.

Contribution

The study provides novel qualitative insights into the lived experiences of patients and siblings navigating eating disorders.

Findings

Families experience emotional roller coasters with highs and lows during eating disorder journeys.

Families report stronger attachments and open communication as they navigate the illness together.

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are life-threatening illnesses that affect both patients and their families. When a member of the family has an ED, family life is necessarily impacted, as are intrafamily relationships and communication. We aimed to shed light on patients’ and their siblings’ experiences with their family relationships during and after EDs.

Our study’s sample included eight young-adult female patients previously diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (n = 6) or anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (n = 2) along with two of their siblings. All patients received treatment for their EDs in 2012–2022. Data was collected in six face-to-face and four virtual individual semi-structured interviews in January–June 2024 and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Our data revealed two main themes. First, the metaphor ‘being on a roller coaster’ captured the feeling of the family living with all the highs and lows of EDs; its subthemes were strong emotions and ups-and-downs in life. Second, the metaphor ‘being in the same boat’ articulated the feeling of solidarity in the family while going through the illness period together; its subthemes were stronger attachments and open communication.

The burden of providing care for patients with EDs can be immense and negatively impact daily life and family relationships. Family relationships affect patients, and with the intense pressure that EDs bring, it is crucial to ensure that families exert a positive influence and avoid unhelpful interactions, which may prolong the illness. Help and support with coping with EDs should be prioritized for both adult patients and their families.

Not applicable.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12888-025-07422-x.

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