Date of Graduation

Summer 8-2026

Document Type

Restricted Dissertation - USF access only

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department

Psychology

Program

Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

First Advisor

Dr. Brent Ferm

Second Advisor

Dr. Alette Coble-Temple

Third Advisor

Dr. Dhara Meghani

Abstract

This study explored the psychological experiences of Women of Color following participation in residential weight-loss camps, with attention to how these experiences were shaped by intersecting racial, cultural, and gendered identities. The sample consisted of two participants (n=2): one Korean, cis-gender female, age: 43 and one Haitian, cis-gender female, age: 26. Two methodological approaches were used in this study. First a reflexive thematic analysis, followed by an instrumental case study analysis. The data was collected though semi-structured interviews to examine how participants made meaning of their experiences during and after their participation in the weight-loss camps.

Findings indicated that both participants experienced internalized weight stigma, shame, and body dissatisfaction that were tied to the structure and culture of the camps. The camp environments emphasized frequent weight monitoring, restrictive dietary practices, and peer comparison with weight loss positioned as the primary indictor of success, despite broader health-related framing. Participants also identified themes related to limited autonomy, family influence, and emotional responses such as resistance, distress, and lack of agency.

A salient theme across both narratives was cultural dissonance. Participants described a lack of alignment between camp expectations and their cultural food practices, body norms, and understanding of health. Both participations reported persistent patterns of body surveillance, shame, and weight preoccupation, alongside physiological impacts such as the loss of hunger and fullness cues. Despite these challenges, both participants reflected moments of resistance to dominant beauty standards and weight-centric ideals.

Overall, findings highlight the psychological and cultural limitation of weight-loss interventions that rely on standardized, Western-centric frameworks. This study underscores the need for culturally responsive, intersectional, and weigh-inclusive approaches that prioritize autonomy, lived experiences, and long-term psychological well-being.

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