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Breast Reconstruction and Prosthesis Use as Forms of Symbolic Completion of the Physical Self

Dept. of Textiles and Apparel Management, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211

Susan B. Kaiser

Dept. of Textiles and Clothing, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616

Margaret Rucker

Dept. of Textiles and Clothing, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616

Self-completion theory helps explain the striving toward wholeness associated with the use of an external prosthesis or breast reconstruction. This paper ad dresses variations in post-mastectomy women's perceptions of physical com pleteness, as revealed by personal strategies of breast reconstruction and pros thesis usage. In the present investigation, women who had had reconstruction tended to be younger, employed, and to have more years of education compared to women who did not. Women who had had reconstructive surgery were more concerned about their sexuality, appearance, and social relationships. They were less satisfied with their appearance than those who did not have reconstruction. Prosthesis use and satisfaction were related factors, with younger and better educated women more likely to use the prosthesis. Greater satisfaction with one's prosthesis related significantly to the expertise of the prosthesis fitter.

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