![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Sunday, 30 October 2011: 11:00 AM
Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to relate the meaning of stigmatization for the overweight participants.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to identify nursing behaviors associated with stigmatization as expressed by the overweight participants.
The focus of this research study was the exploration of the phenomenon of stigmatization of overweight persons by nurses. The philosophical tradition of Phenomenology, based on Heidegger’s view of the person guided the researchers in uncovering the meaning of stigmatization for eight chronically ill individuals with a body mass index greater than 30. Stigmatization by nurses for this group of medically obese women meant being exposed to Unintentional Harm, Presuppositions, and Reluctant Care. Perceptions of stigma were manifested as Shame, Marginalization, and Anxiety in Seeking Heath Care. Nursing care can be instrumental in advancing positive outcomes when including non-discriminatory care related to weight in the total care needs identified for overweight patients.