Pronouns : She/Her
Program and Level of Study: Doctorate in Psychology - Research and Intervention (Ph.D. R/I)
Research areas : Weight-related Stigmatization, Eating Disorders, Couple Relationships
Supervisor : Catherine Bégin, Ph.D
Email address : mpleb32@ulaval.ca
Describe your research project in a few lines.
Weight-related stigmatization, referring to negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards individuals based on their weight, is highly prevalent within couples. Numerous studies have outlined the detrimental effects of this phenomenon, revealing a negative perception of one's body, sexual dissatisfaction, and marital dissatisfaction for the stigmatized individual. While research on this topic has been informative, non-heterosexual couples have been overlooked. Few studies conducted among gay and lesbian individuals have shown that marital satisfaction can be negatively influenced by the partner's weight or eating behaviors. However, no study on weight-related stigmatization within these types of couples has been conducted. My research project aims to address this gap by documenting the frequency of weight-related stigmatization among couples in the LGBTQ2+ community and examining the associations between stigma and marital satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and overall quality of life.
Can you share with us a memorable moment or experience from your academic journey?
An unforgettable moment that I will always cherish is when I received the acceptance letter for my application to the Doctoral program in psychology. After three years of dedicated effort during my undergraduate studies to maintain an excellent academic record, coupled with research and counseling experiences that helped me discover my passions, it all culminated in a profound sense of achievement. The social and student involvements allowed me to forge valuable connections with my peers. Thus, receiving an admission offer after all those efforts was a deeply touching and immensely proud moment for me. With tears in my eyes, it was a culmination of the hard work from previous years and a step forward towards realizing my career dream as a future researcher-clinician.
What is the most challenging aspect of your research or studies, and how do you overcome it?
I would say that the most challenging aspect of my studies is balancing between academics, research, and work. The Doctoral program in psychology is a full-time commitment, and the autonomous progress required for the research project makes it challenging to maintain employment simultaneously. The financial uncertainty during my Doctoral studies brings about concerns and anxiety that affect my overall well-being. To overcome this difficulty, I try to alleviate the financial burden by applying for research grants and scholarships whenever I am eligible as a candidate.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Since a young age, I have been a very active person with a keen interest in sports and health. I practiced figure skating for 16 years, and I even taught it. This sport instilled in me the values of perseverance and self-improvement. Today, I still enjoy figure skating for fun, and I engage in boxing training. In my free time, I also love being in nature; I enjoy hiking in Quebec's national parks. Finally, I adore cooking diverse dishes, reading a good book, or watching a movie on rainy days.
