Shame and self-acceptance in continued flux: Qualitative study of the embodied experience of significant weight loss and removal of resultant excess skin by plastic surgery. (September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Fran; Farrants, Jacqui R
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 18:Number 9(2013)
• Page Start: 1129
• Page End: 1140
• Publication Date: 2013-09
• Subjects: appearance -- body image -- body shape -- Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis -- obesity; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105312459095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

This study explored the embodied experience of body change using a qualitative design. Eight previous plastic surgery patients of a London hospital took part in in-depth, semi-structured interviews 1 year post a plastic surgery procedure to remove excess skin around their abdomen, resulting from weight loss. Participant interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Two sub-themes titled 'Shame of the hidden body' and 'Lack of acceptance; the future focused body' are presented in this article. Findings are considered in relation to theories of 'Body Shame' and in the current cultural context.