Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Nurs.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005.

Thesis (M.S.)--Eastern Illinois University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 61-65).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wyoming, 2008. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Nov. 10, 2009). Includes bibliographical references (p. 48-50).

M.Cur / Critical overweight is currently regarded as an epidemic by the World Health Organization (Hodgson, accessed 18 March 2007). It is one of the direct causes of illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, as well as certain types of cancer. Socio-cultural influences play a role in the life of a critically overweight person. The role models that especially young girls and women see in the media are unrealistic (Fairburn en Brownell, 2002:103). Although there is a lot of information available regarding the intake of nutrients in order to address the physical dimension of a person, Villapiana and Goodman (2001:1) believe that the critically overweight person must change his/her behaviour. The following goals were kept in mind continually throughout the research: 􀂃 to explore and describe the experiences of the critically overweight person; and 􀂃 to create guidelines for the advanced psychiatric nurse in order for him/her to facilitate the mental health of the critically overweight person. The paradigmatic point of departure of the Department of Nursing at the University of Johannesburg (2006:2-7), as worded in the Theory for the Promotion of Health in Nursing, directs the study. A functional approach to nursing, according to Botes’ model (University of Johannesburg, School of Nursing Paradigm, 2006:9-12), was followed. The researcher conducted semi-structured phenomenological interviews (Holloway and Wheeler, 1996:2) with the critically overweight persons who met the criteria of the sample. Permission for the research was obtained from the University of Johannesburg, as well as the informed permission of the eight individuals who took part in the research. Trustworthiness was maintained by following strategies of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability (Lincoln en Guba, 1985:298-331). After the data had been analysed and a consensus conversation taken place, literature control was done in order to compare the results with that of other research. The researcher has come to the conclusion that the critically overweight person experiences a paradoxical process that is characterised by a dividedness relationship vii with the self, which then spreads to relationships with other people, as well as the environment. The inner struggle is experienced as anti-poles in which participants yearn for balance. Discord develops between thoughts, feelings and behaviour, with accompanying effects on mental health. The paradoxical process is maintained by factors that strengthen the dividedness and has certain effects that cause further discomfort for the critically overweight person. Guidelines were developed for the advanced psychiatric nurse to facilitate the mental health of the critically overweight person. Conclusions were made, limitations of the research pointed out and recommendations for nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research made.

While the concept of oppression has been studied in the context of many social or cultural identity variables (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation), body size and weight are just beginning to be considered as additional multicultural or diversity factors that may lead to experiences of oppression or privilege. Previous research has examined weight bias, fat-phobia, obesity stigma, and related concepts, but mostly using quantitative methods and often only in very specific realms (e.g., employment discrimination based on weight/body size). The purpose of the current study was to examine the subjective experiences of weight-related oppression of individuals who are, or have been, of large body size. A sample of 20 adults (16 women and 4 men) who have, or will, undergo bariatric weight loss surgery were interviewed about their experiences of weight or body size-related oppression, and their responses qualitatively analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and included questions or prompts regarding participants’ personal experiences of weight-based discrimination, perceived prejudice, stigma, as well as other concepts related to oppression (or conversely, privilege). Four constructs emerged from 14 themes in the data. The overarching constructs included a) weight-related oppression occurs at multiple levels, b) weight-related oppression occurs in multiple areas of participants’ lives, c) belief and attitudes about weight and body size, and d) reactions to oppression. The 14 themes were comprised of 58 ideas that were relevant for this topic and repeated both within and across the participants. Clinical implications for medical and mental health providers, limitations of the current study, and future research directions are also addressed and discussed. / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University. Human Nutrition, 2008. / Title from PDF t.p. (Proquest, viewed on Aug. 24, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 141-163). Also issued in print.

Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006.