Carol Beard

Doctoral Dissertation Announcement

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Candidate: Carol Beard

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Title: Contemporary Clothing Issues of Women who are Post-Mastectomy

Committee:
Dr. Kieran Fogarty, Chair
Dr. Barbara Frazier
Dr. Usha Chowdhary

Date: Friday, October 28, 2011 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
College of Health and Human Services, Room 2024

Abstract:
The intent of this three-paper format dissertation is to examine three topics germane to the clothing requirements and clothing acquisition of women who are post-mastectomy. Each paper’s focus resides within a broader theme of addressing a population that has specialized clothing needs. While each study is independent in nature, they build upon each other. The first paper describes the demographics of the population and how those demographics and treatment path for breast cancer provide a different framework for reaction to the retail offerings currently on the market. The next paper focuses on the association between demographics and treatment path of post-mastectomy women and the preferences associated with venue selection for procuring clothing. Specifically, paper two looks at the importance of brick and mortar atmospherics as it relates to the characteristics of the fitting rooms as well as the importance of a sensitive and knowledgeable staff in the fitting room area. Lastly, looking through the framework of the differing demographics and treatment paths, paper three reviews discharge information needed to assist in clothing selection and modification. Paper three also addresses written information that women who are post-mastectomy desire in relation to clothing selection and modification after breast cancer surgery, as well as potential clothing issues to expect throughout the treatment process and post-surgery stages.
Results from the first study develop an overarching concept to the design modification needed for the broad target market of women represented by the term “post-mastectomy.” The second study yields the breadth of issues germane to the challenges posed by physical surroundings when selecting clothing, based on demographics and treatment path. The third study defines the discharge information that post-mastectomy women desire in the clothing transitions required to address issues throughout the treatment process.
This three paper format allows for easy submission for publication of three stand-alone articles but also creates some redundancy in reading sections that are repeated in each paper. While reading through the document as a whole, the reader must keep in mind that there is a necessary reverberation of information to create the indispensable background for each paper.