Narrative Analysis of Body Dissatisfaction and Spirituality

Abstract

We inquired into the ways in which seven female participants experienced body dissatisfaction and spirituality—both as separate and as connected issues in their lives. Following a narrative analysis, we identified three main themes. The first theme involved participants' open, accepting spiritual beliefs. The second theme involved participants' struggle with body dissatisfaction, which for many was a persistent difficulty. Within this theme of body dissatisfaction, participants discussed ways this dissatisfaction was maintained and ways they were protected from engaging in eating disorder symptoms. Participants identified ways body dissatisfaction persisted, including tendencies to compare their bodies to others' bodies and assume a sense of personal responsibility for their bodies. Participants discussed beliefs in health and spiritual aspects of protection as ways they were safeguarded from eating disorder symptoms. The third theme involved participants' interpretation of a researcher inquiry about spiritual assistance with body dissatisfaction. Based on these findings, we present research and counseling implications.