Family typology associated with females who display bulimic behavior

Clinical observations of families with a member who displays bulimia have suggested that more than one family interaction pattern exist. The purpose of this study was to investigate these clinical observations using three self-report questionnaires: FACES-III, Binge Scale, and a demographic instrument including items regarding three identifiable family types. Data was collected from hospitals who treated persons displaying bulimia and eating disorder treatment centers. A total of 70 women, ages 13 to 39, and both parents of each woman included in the study (Total N = 210).Responses to the FACES-III and certain items on the demographic questionnaire were analyzed using chi-square and one-way ANOVAs with Tukey's follow-up procedure when necessary. Each of the 70 families were identified on the Circumplex Model, but because of methodological concerns only 57 families were used to test most of the hypotheses.Hypothesis One, which stated that more than 50% of the families would be classified as either moderately or extremely dysfunctional, was accepted. Sixty-four percent of the families were labeled moderately or extremely dysfunctional. Hypothesis Two, which claimed that there would be no differences between types of families in terms of the age and birth order of the member displaying bulimia and the number of siblings in the family, was also supported. There were no significant differences found among families with regards to the age and birth order of the daughter or the number of siblings in the family. Hypothesis Three, which asserted that types of families would not differ in terms of the parents' relational status, was accepted as well, but cautiously interpreted. Of the parents, 96.5% were married, while one set was divorced and another separated. Hypothesis Four, which stated that families would differ with respect to their degree of family satisfaction, was also supported. Functional families claimed feeling more satisfied than dysfunctional families. Hypothesis Five, which claimed that types of families would differ in terms of their previous and current level of closeness, was accepted. Dysfunctional, as compared to functional, families reported significantly less family satisfaction previously and currently. Finally, Hypothesis Six, which asserted that types of families would differ with respect to their degree of chaos, perfection, and overprotection, was partially supported. Dysfunctional families claimed to experience greater degrees of chaos and perfection than functional families.Relying on the Circumplex Model of family functioning, results suggest that there are identifiable differences in the family structures of families where one member displays bulimia. Findings from this study may assist therapists when conceptualizing and treating various types of families that are struggling with the interpersonal and emotional effects of bulimia.Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance ServicesThesis (Ph. D.