Pathological Conflict Avoidance in Anorexia Nervosa: Family Perspectives

Conflict avoidance is a common pattern in families of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), but little systematic controlled research has been conducted to elucidate the formal mechanics of such interaction. Forty family triads with daughters suffering from AN were compared to 40 matched control (CON) triads, on five measures of conflictual family situations. Results revealed that the AN group had significantly more difficulty in choosing the topic of discussion, adhering to the topic, developing and exploring the chosen topic, and reaching a solution—all within a family setting. Findings empirically support previous clinical and research evidence on the pathological avoidance of conflict in families with a member who has AN. Therapeutic implications are discussed.