Weight Talk and Body Weight Perception Through the Lens of Attachment Theory: A Literature Review

Abstract

Conversations about weight have emerged within society as a prevalent topic between social influencers, professionals, and families. Researchers have identified a connection between parental insecure attachment behaviors, emotional feeding, and overeating with their children. However, examining weight talk and body weight perception through the lens of attachment theory has yet to be conceptualized within the field of marriage and family therapy. This article explores attachment theory as a framework to conceptualize weight talk and body weight perception within parent–child relationships. The connections between attachment theory, insecure attachment, and various forms of weight talk and body weight perception within the family system are reviewed. This literature review aims to provide clinicians with a framework for understanding weight-related conversations and body weight perception from an attachment perspective to support and strengthen parent–child relationships in clinical settings. Recommendations are made for future research directions within weight talk and body weight perception literature.