Exploratory Study of the Relationship Between CSA and Female Obesity (Paperback)

The scarcity of research, found within the dominant discourse, the connection between adult women who struggle with obesity and post traumatic stress due to childhood sexual abuse has not been suitably addressed. This qualitative and phenomenological study explores, through in-depth interviews with three females, their survivorship of CSA and ongoing management of adult obesity. Findings indicate a positive relationship between the two circumstances. An argument has been made on behalf of Allie, Grace and Cloe, that the impetus for their behaviour is derived not from the conventional belief they need to protect themselves from further harm but 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. Women, teachers, counselors and those in the medical field can greatly increase their knowledge, by considering the anecdotal accounts of the three brave individuals cited in this book.