Feeding and Eating Disorders in Youth — Chapter 14 Summary from Mash & Wolfe

Feeding and Eating Disorders in Youth — Chapter 14 Summary from Mash & Wolfe

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In Chapter 14 of Child Psychopathology, Eric J. Mash, David A. Wolfe, and Katherine Nguyen Williams examine the spectrum of feeding and eating disorders in children and adolescents. These disorders range from early-life nutritional issues to complex adolescent conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. At their core, these disorders reflect struggles with self-image, control, emotional regulation, and environmental pressures—not just with food.

Early Childhood Feeding Disorders

  • Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Involves extreme food selectivity and avoidance that leads to nutritional deficiencies and significant weight loss.
  • Pica: Characterized by the persistent ingestion of non-food items like dirt, paper, or hair. Often associated with intellectual disability or mineral deficiencies.
  • Failure to Thrive (FTT): Severe undernourishment and developmental delays often linked to neglect or underlying medical conditions.

These disorders interfere with physical growth, cognitive development, and emotional bonding during key developmental periods.

Childhood Obesity and Picky Eating

About 25% of children under age 12 are considered picky eaters, while rates of childhood obesity—defined as a BMI above the 95th percentile—continue to rise. Obesity is influenced by genetics, sedentary lifestyles, food insecurity, cultural norms, and family eating habits. Early weight concerns emerge in children as young as age 9, especially among girls exposed to idealized body standards.

Adolescent Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are among the most lethal psychiatric conditions, often emerging during adolescence. Key disorders include:

  • Anorexia Nervosa (AN): Involves severe caloric restriction, fear of weight gain, and body image distortion.
  • Bulimia Nervosa (BN): Marked by cycles of binge eating followed by purging or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.
  • Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Characterized by recurrent binge episodes without purging, leading to obesity and emotional distress.

These disorders are frequently comorbid with anxiety, depression, and OCD, and are influenced by biological, psychological, and cultural factors.

Neurobiological and Sociocultural Factors

Research points to the role of serotonin dysregulation, genetic predisposition, and trauma history in the development of eating disorders. Sociocultural ideals, especially those emphasizing thinness, perpetuate body dissatisfaction. Family dynamics, including critical parenting or enmeshment, also contribute to risk.

Treatment and Prevention

Effective interventions focus on both physical recovery and psychological restructuring:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Restructures distorted thinking around body image and food.
  • Family-Based Therapy (FBT): Involves parents in supporting recovery, especially in adolescent cases.
  • Nutritional Rehabilitation: Essential to restoring weight and physical health in malnourished individuals.
  • Community and School Programs: Promote healthy body image and eating habits to prevent onset and relapse.

Conclusion

Chapter 14 emphasizes that feeding and eating disorders in youth are complex, multifactorial, and deeply connected to emotional and relational health. Early recognition, compassionate care, and integrated treatment models are essential to recovery and prevention. With the right support, children and adolescents can overcome these disorders and develop healthier relationships with food, their bodies, and themselves.

🎥 To explore these insights further, watch the podcast-style summary video embedded above.

📚 Catch up on all chapters in our Child Psychopathology series for a comprehensive understanding of youth mental health and development.

If you found this breakdown helpful, be sure to subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more chapter-by-chapter textbook summaries and academic study guides.

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