Disordered eating and hoarding after neglect: a qualitative study of foster parent responses

Although children present a range of challenges related to neglect when joining foster families, there is a lack of research on how foster parents establish and sustain daily routines and create a supportive family emotional environment to assist children in dealing with past trauma. In particular, little is known about how families respond to disordered eating behaviors, including hoarding, stemming from previous neglect. This study examines foster parents’ identification of dietary and emotional needs, responses to nutritional deprivation from previous food insecurity or neglect, and strategies for supporting children with neglect histories in care. Data are derived from a cross-sectional qualitative study of foster parents in Missouri in 2017. Using the ecocultural family interview, 20 foster parents were interviewed about everyday routines and various challenges. Results show that parents interpreted loss-of-control eating as children’s anticipation of future hunger and hoarding behaviors as expressions of deep-rooted fears of food scarcity. They address these trauma-related food behaviors informally through trust-building, balanced nutrition, structured meal routines, portion control, and sensitive handling of hoarding issues, emphasizing the importance of promoting a sense of security and healthy eating habits. Implications include developing training for food-related trauma for children who have experienced neglect, covering aspects such as food access, insecurity, physiological responses, and best practices to address hoarding.