Russell-Mayhew, Shelly K.Klingle, Kirsten2018-07-102018-07-102018-06-26http://hdl.handle.net/1880/107118Body shame is a body-centric form of self-criticism that includes the belief that one’s body does not adhere to societal norms, and an individual feels shame as a result. The topic of body shame, especially among women, has become a growing area of research interest given the implications this negative self-evaluation may have on both physical and mental health. One way to mitigate the experience of body shame among women may be to enhance self-compassion. Defined as kindness turned inward, the central tenets of self-compassion include mindfulness, treating oneself with kindness, and recognizing common humanity. Research on self-compassion and body shame has shown promising results; self-compassion has been negatively correlated with body shame, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and emotional distress. While this research is significant in elucidating the relationship between self-compassion and body shame, limited research to date has explored the perceptions and experiences of body shame and self-compassion from the viewpoint of women who have suffered or are currently suffering with body shame. This is an important area of investigation, as the findings may have direct and specific implications for research, interventions, and supports among women. Therefore, my purpose in conducting this research was to understand self-compassion from the perspectives of women who have experienced or are experiencing body shame. To explore this research question I was guided by Gadamer’s (2014) philosophical hermeneutics. This reflexive, dialogical, and interpretive philosophy is especially appropriate when applied to questions aimed at the nature of understanding. In total, 10 women took part in semi-structured interviews. Each participant was asked about her experiences with her body, self-compassion, and obstacles to self-compassion. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed. The findings include interpretations and participant quotes as support, incorporated with a selection of relevant and topical literature. The results of this study offer a novel and necessary contribution to the research field by addressing the nuanced viewpoints and experiences of body shame and self-compassion.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.self-compassionbody shamewomenhermeneuticsEducational PsychologyWomen's Studiesdoctoral thesis10.11575/PRISM/32340