What have family studies revealed about eating disorders?

Family studies have shown that eating disorders have a strong genetic and environmental component, indicating that these disorders tend to run in families. This points to the involvement of hereditary factors, where individuals with a family history of eating disorders are at a higher risk of developing these conditions themselves. Studies often highlight that family dynamics, parental attitudes, and shared environments also play a role in the manifestation of these disorders, reinforcing the idea that there is a familial link.

While other options mention independence from familial ties, the prevalence in single-parent families, and the idea that eating disorders only affect adolescents, these assertions do not align with the evidence from family studies. Research suggests that while adolescents are notably affected, eating disorders can occur across various age groups and family structures, highlighting the complexity and multifactorial nature of these conditions. Thus, the conclusion that eating disorders run in families reflects a comprehensive understanding of the implications of familial influence on the development and persistence of these disorders.