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Understandings and experiences of visible difference and romantic relationships: A qualitative exploration

Sharratt, Nicholas David; Jenkinson, Elizabeth; Moss, Timothy; Clarke, Alexandra; Rumsey, Nichola

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Authors

Nicholas Sharratt Nick.Sharratt@uwe.ac.uk
Research Fellow in Centre for Appearance Research

Tim Moss Tim.Moss@uwe.ac.uk
Director of PGR Studies and Associate Professor

Alexandra Clarke



Abstract

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd The association between disfigurement (‘visible difference’) and romantic relationships has received relatively little consideration in the research literature. This qualitative research, conducted in the United Kingdom, explored participants’ accounts of their visible difference and romantic life. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants who had a variety of visible differences. Inductive thematic analysis demonstrated that participants understood their difference as having a pervasive and enduring impact. These encompassed challenges that must be negotiated in the formation of romantic relationships, including feeling unattractive to others and feeling personally devalued. Relevant physical and sexual sequelae were comprised of anxieties regarding informing partners of a difference, impacted sexual activity, and concerns about heritability. Finally, the potential for partner support and acceptance to positively impact romantic relationships was recognised. This research highlighted the need to extend our understanding of visible difference and intimate relationships and to develop effective interventions to ameliorate appearance-related concern.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 6, 2018
Online Publication Date Aug 18, 2018
Publication Date Dec 1, 2018
Deposit Date Aug 7, 2018
Publicly Available Date Feb 19, 2020
Journal Body Image
Print ISSN 1740-1445
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 27
Pages 32-42
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.08.002
Keywords visible difference, disfigurement, romantic relationships, intimacy, psychology, thematic analysis
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/855453
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.08.002
Additional Information Additional Information : This is the author's accepted manuscript. The final published version is available here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.08.002.
Contract Date Aug 7, 2018

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