Food for thought: Attachment and the experience of food.

摘要

This qualitative study explored the relational meanings that people derive from their positive experiences of food, and examined the relationship between people's experience of food and their attachment and relational styles. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of people's experience of food, their eating habits, and the way in which food can play a role in their relational experiences. The literature review focused on the social sciences literature on food, psychodynamic perspectives that emphasize early feeding experiences, and the formation of relationships from the point of view of attachment theory. The participants were eight women and men who derive a sense of pleasure from food and do not have an eating disorder of any type. The study utilized a combined method of a self-report scale of attachment style, a demographic questionnaire, a sentence completion questionnaire, and a face-to-face semi-structured interview. Within a sample of eight participants six demonstrated a secure attachment style while only two participants demonstrated an insecure attachment style. Results indicated that participants experienced food as a facilitator for the achievement of emotional security and the enhancement of relationships. The study also suggested that food related rituals play a positive role in organizing the family system and promoting feelings of closeness, belonging, and stability.