How Secure-Attachment Reduces Binge-Eating-Disorder

Studio City Clinical Associates Treat Eating Disorders From Several Perspectives

You May Wonder How Secure-Attachment Reduce Binge-Eating-Disorder?

The Development of a Secure Attachment

Believe it or not, studies show how secure-attachment reduces binge-eating-disorder. A secure-attachment develops when parents focus on the baby’s biological and emotional needs, as well as, fulfill them in a timely manner. As the child grows a sense of reliability develops within the child as he/she learns the parent will be available and allows for a sense of safety and security. The strong bond with the parents allows for a secure- attachment. Babies who develop a secure attachment learn to soothe themselves at an earlier age than those who develop anxious attachment.

The Development of an Anxious Attachment

An infant can develop an anxious attachment when the primary caregivers are absent or preoccupied with their other problems. Unfortunately, infants who have to wait for long periods of time to be fed, changed, or held do not gain a sense they can rely on anyone. Children develop anxiety as they become unsure when a parent will be available to meet their urgent needs and contributes to their becoming anxious.  Children who grow up with an anxious attachment may grow up confused and unaware of their biological and emotional needs.  The anxiety obstructs the child to develop internal knowledge of specific needs.  As an anxious attachment continues, a child lacks the development of internal cues to signal hunger, satiation, and/or the need for nurturing.

An insecurely attached child will often exhibit dependent behavior. They seem frightened, clingy, and apprehensive. Internally, feelings of being lost, with no guidance prevail as they develop. Adults who have anxious attachments often feel they raised themselves. Some adults reflect on developing attachments outside the family to get their needs met.  Some of the children and adults with anxious attachment experience feelings of dark emptiness and loneliness. Many people reach for food to feel a sense of satiation. Often, it takes a lot of food to replace the secure-attachment and fill the emptiness.

How Secure-Attachment Reduces Binge-Eating-Disorder

In recent years research exploring the relationship between early insecure attachments and binge eating disorders has confirmed the relationship between insecure attachments and binge eating disorders. Studies of group therapy who suffer from binge eating disorder exhibit that the attachment of group members is a significant factor in reducing binge-eating-disorder regardless of the type of therapy that is offered.

Recent research in neuroscience has exhibited that attachment behavior can change as the brain changes.  The literature describes the presence of a person who is available and aware and provides for the needs of an anxiously attached individual can contribute to a sense of security. The patterns of cells in the brain can change through experiencing a relationship that provides attention to needs. As people develop a more secure-attachment they experience more fulfillment and less emptiness resulting in a reduction of binge eating.


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