The Impact of Gender-Based Violence on Bodily Perceptions and Connections: A Qualitative Metasynthesis

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a violation of human rights, referring to harmful acts directed towards another, rooted in unequal power dynamics within and beyond the gender binary. While we know that GBV greatly impacts survivor health, research has not been synthesized to articulate its impact on survivor bodily connections and perceptions. The purpose of this qualitative metasynthesis is to synthesize how GBV impacts survivors body image, bodily connections, and subsequent behaviors. Empirical studies were identified by a search of peer-reviewed articles via electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts) with the help of a library scientist to define key search terms. Studies were included if they were qualitative and directly engaged survivors of GBV about the impact of GBV on their bodies or perceptions about their bodies. After our initial search, 5,124 articles were reviewed by title and abstract independently blinded by two authors. Thirty-six articles were reviewed for full text, with 17 included in the current review. Articles were analyzed using meta-ethnography. Key findings of our review included the impact of GBV on survivors bodily connections (e.g., disconnection, dissociation, and connections to identity), bodily perceptions (e.g., body image, feelings towards the body, and bodily feelings), and resulting behaviors (e.g., disordered eating, adaptive and maladaptive coping, and preoccupation with the body). These findings focus attention on the multidimensional nature of healing after GBV and the need to provide more integrative care for survivors of abuse.