Women’s Reasons for Seeking Breast Reduction: A Qualitative Investigation

This study explored experiences of
women with large breasts who were
considering or had had breast
reduction surgery. Open-ended
questionnaires were returned via email
from 32 women, 13 of whom were
seeking breast reduction and 19 who
had already undergone breast
reduction surgery. Transcripts were
analyzed using Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Themes arising from this analysis
included physical symptoms,
information, and body image and selfesteem.
Implications for Health
Psychology are discussed, including
the necessity to assist women to cope
with pain prior to breast reduction,
and assisting health professionals to
develop more effective
communication skills.