The impact of early traumatic experiences on bariatric patients: a qualitative exploration of their "voices"

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the impact of early traumatic experiences on bariatric patients with the intent to give "voice" to their experiences. The impact of morbid obesity and the lack of quality of life among those suffering from this form of chronic illness can be devastating. Meaningful support systems and bariatric surgery are therefore considered as forced behavioural interventions to remediate the impact of childhood trauma and subsequent development of morbid obesity among this group of bariatric patients. Through a process of social constructivism and dialogue between the researcher and the five participants, the co-construction according to themes was supported by a qualitative research approach and the case study method. For the analysis of the themes according to the participants' "voices", the thematic content analysis method was used to analyse the data and was finally linked to supportive literature. It is hoped that the results from this study will contribute to the development of a unique assessment and support programme to those who have to endure the burden of morbid obesity associated with early childhood trauma; and that the process prior to and post bariatric surgery will be an important contribution to finding quality of life and giving new meaning to patients after suffering through their bodies and traumatised minds.