‘Renegotiating the Bubble of Normality’: A Modified Grounded Theory Study of Adult Children’s Experiences of Growing Up Alongside a Parent with an Eating Disorder or Disordered Eating.

Background: There is growing recognition that eating disorder occur during adulthood. Research suggests that, for parents who have an eating disorder, they are likely to encounter unique challenges and dilemmas relating to family life and parenting. However, research has not considered the voices of the children who have grown up alongside a parent with an eating disorder. This study aimed to explore how adult children, who have grown up alongside a parent with an eating disorder or disordered eating, make sense of their experiences. Method: A Modified Grounded Theory methodology based on Charmaz’ social constructivist approach was adopted. Nine adult children who self-identified as growing up alongside a parent with an eating disorder or disordered eating participated in a semi-structured interview. Interviews were transcribed and analysed, using a process of coding, constant comparison, theoretical sampling and memo-writing. Results: Participants described their ‘Bubble of Normality’ in terms of food, eating, weight and relationship norms. They appeared to respond to their bubble of normality at two levels. A cognitive level, divided into ‘(re)absorption’, ‘recognition’ and ‘reflection’ and a behavioural level, divided into ‘re-enactment’ and ‘rebellion’. The core process of ‘renegotiating the bubble of normality’ was identified, which captures participants experiences of seeking the middle ground between these responses and ultimately creating an alternative, more positive bubble of normality as adults. Conclusion: This study offers an account of the process adult children go through when making sense of their parent’s eating disorder or disordered eating, as well as the factors contributing to how their sense making evolved over time. The results are considered within the context of the existing literature, alongside the clinical and research implications.