LE3 .A278 2003

2003

Sumarah, John

Acadia University

Master of Education

Masters

Counselling

Education

This qualitative and phenomenological study explores, through in-depth interviews with three females, their survivorship of child sex abuse and ongoing management of adult obesity. Findings indicate a strong, positive relationship between the two circumstances. An argument has been made on behalf of Allie, Grace and Chloe, that the impetus for their behaviour is derived from a core belief of unworthiness as beings; hence, the very act of internalizing this imposed, shameful identity results in, first, the original experience of childhood sexual abuse becoming more entrenched in mind and body memory, and second, this necessitates the continuation of obsessive eating to appease the resultant dis-ease within self. Also, taking into consideration the scarcity of research found within the dominant discourse, it is likely that further research analysis, to inform the extant research regarding the connection, shall probably be dependent on feminist advocacy. Moreover, the study is broadened by a critical scrutiny of sexism and classism as societal issues, especially as they pertain to the three participants involved.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2746