Resumen/detalles

The role of dissociation and eating disorder symptoms in facing loss, abandonment and sexual abuse trauma sequelae in the case of “Ana”

Khemchandani, Kanchan.   Pace University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing,  2009. 3377717.

Resumen (reseña)

The link between eating disorder symptoms and both dissociation and childhood sexual abuse has received significant empirical support. This paper surveyed current literature regarding that relationship and examined the role of dissociation in both eating disorder symptoms and in overcoming complex trauma symptoms. The question of whether dissociation serves as a protective defense or a pathological process, particularly in individuals who have suffered chronic sexual abuse, has often been posed. To that end, case material from a three-year individual psychotherapy treatment of a young woman with an eating disorder and history of sexual abuse was used to gain understanding of the use of both conscious and unconscious dissociation, and eating disorder symptoms to defend against psychological pain related to trauma and feelings of loss and abandonment.

The study considered two central questions. First, did the patient utilize eating disordered symptoms to bring about the by-products of dissociation (i.e. soothing, numbing and self-protection from psychological pain), once she began to re-live formerly dissociated experiences in treatment? Second, in helping patients to face past traumas and to enhance their understanding of the impact of those traumas on current functioning, is it therapeutic to dismantle dissociation in treatment? Findings from case material, current research and consultation with experts were used to support conclusions regarding these questions.

Both literature and case material reviewed in this project suggest that a strong link exists between dissociation and sexual abuse trauma, and eating disorder symptoms and dissociation. Optimal treatment for patients presenting with both eating disorder symptoms and complex trauma histories would involve a relational approach, which helps patients to uncover the underlying attachment and trauma dynamics that drive and maintain symptoms. Additionally, helping patients to understand the possible dissociative aspects and symbolism of binge/purge cycles in the context of past and recurring trauma is crucial. Symptoms are dissociative in that they allow for the disavowal of painful affects and assist albeit maladaptively, in affect regulation. In many cases, tackling dissociative aspects of eating disorder symptoms in the aforementioned manner helps patients lead healthier lives psychologically and achieve their personal goals.

Indexación (detalles)


Materia
Clinical psychology
Clasificación
0622: Clinical psychology
Identificador / palabra clave
Psychology; Abandonment; Dissociation; Eating disorder; Eating disorder symptoms; Loss; Sexual abuse; Trauma
Título
The role of dissociation and eating disorder symptoms in facing loss, abandonment and sexual abuse trauma sequelae in the case of “Ana”
Autor
Khemchandani, Kanchan
Número de páginas
88
Fecha de titulación
2009
Código de institución
0483
Fuente
DAI-B 70/09, Dissertation Abstracts International
Lugar de publicación
Ann Arbor
País de publicación
United States
ISBN
978-1-109-39737-6
Tutor
Hart, Beth
Universidad/institución
Pace University
Lugar de la universidad
United States -- New York
Título universitario
Psy.D.
Tipo de fuente
Tesis doctoral o tesina
Idioma
Inglés
Tipo de documento
Dissertation/Thesis
Número de tesis doctoral/tesina
3377717
ID del documento de ProQuest
305082903
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/unauthdocview/305082903