Affective and Family Relationships of Women with Anorexia and Bulimia

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the social support network of women with eating disorders, emphasizing their affective family relations. The sample consisted of 12 participants assisted at a university hospital. The instruments used were a semi-structured interview, Network's Map and Genogram. The results indicated that participant's social networks are restricted, with prominence of family members in their composition. Family relations, however oscillate between affective turbulence and detachment. The affective relationships held with parents, husbands and boyfriends are marked by disagreements and dissatisfactions. The low density of the network of friends and the impoverishment of social life result in isolation and difficulties in initiating and/or maintaining lasting affective relationships.