Maternal Depression Experienced during Childhood Predicts Adolescent Disordered Eating Behaviors

We examined relationships between parental psychopathology and adolescent disordered eating. Maternal depression when their child was aged 3-9 predicted later disordered eating behaviors at age 18; Child depression moderated, and body dissatisfaction mediated, these relationships. Both parent and child psychopathology are important risk factors for the development of disordered eating.