Preferences and reasons for clothing colors in women patients and survivors of breast cancer in Korea.

PURPOSE: Clothing color can affect the psychological aspects in female patients and survivors of breast cancer; however, little is known regarding their preferences and reasons for choosing specific clothing color. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing their clothing color choices. METHOD: This qualitative study was conducted through face-to-face interviews. Fourteen adult female patients and survivors of breast cancer were recruited at a university hospital in Korea. An art therapist requested participants to indicate their usual choice of clothing colors and reasons. Participants were encouraged to talk about memories related to clothing colors in the past and present. Participants were asked if there were any changes in clothing colors after the diagnosis of breast cancer. Preferences and reasons regarding clothing colors were explored during one-hour interview. The interviews were audiotaped and analyzed using the Korean Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS), Blue Bird 2.0 (www.thebluebird.kr). The researchers crosschecked thematic coding results using the software. RESULTS: All 14 patients and survivors had memorable experiences regarding their favorite clothing colors. Thematic coding identified four key themes: (1) social interactions and social image (39.5% of key sentences stated), (2) enhanced self-image and concealment of body shape (20.9%), (3) positive feelings (18.6%), and (4) changes in color preference after breast cancer diagnosis (14%). CONCLUSION: All female patients and survivors of breast cancer had preferences and good memories for clothing color. In most participants, these colors supported social interaction, self-image, and positive feelings. It is needed to investigate if intervention through clothing colors would support quality of life.