Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

School

Psychology

Committee Chair

Bonnie Nicholson

Committee Chair School

Psychology

Committee Member 2

Emily Yowell

Committee Member 2 School

Psychology

Committee Member 3

Eric Dahlen

Committee Member 3 School

Psychology

Abstract

Eating disorders remain one of the fastest growing and most fatal forms of mental health disorders. It is estimated that around 9% of the US population meets diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder; however, a much larger percentage of the population engages in disordered eating behaviors, putting people at risk for negative consequences both physically and psychologically. While there are several theories about what precipitates disordered eating, parenting has been shown to be a key factor that can influence disordered eating behaviors. While some theories implicate authoritarian parenting, others consider psychological control or permissive parenting as potentially associated with the development of disordered eating behaviors. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) has been examined as a model that helps explain the connection between socialization practices and outcomes in young adults, suggesting that socialization that meets psychological needs results in the best outcomes. Therefore, the current study aimed to utilize SDT to better explain the connection between parenting styles and disordered eating behaviors. It was hypothesized that authoritative parenting would be associated with psychological needs satisfaction and fewer disordered eating behaviors as well as less body dissatisfaction. Results of this study found that psychological need satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between authoritarian parenting and controlled eating as well as authoritative parenting and controlled eating. Basic psychological need satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between authoritarian parenting and autonomous eating.

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