Abstract
The objectives of this study were (1) to describe perceptions of stress and confidence following genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutations and (2) to identify predictors of these processes. Participants were 130 high-risk women affected with cancer who received BRCA1/2 test results. Individual difference characteristics and interpersonal factors were measured by self-report before genetic counseling and perceptions of stress and confidence were evaluated by self-report 1 month following disclosure of test results. BRCA1/2 test results had a significant effect only on perceptions of stress (β = 0.38, p = 0.0001), while trait anxiety had a significant effect on both perceptions of stress (β = 0.44, p = 0.0001) and confidence (β = -0.41, p = 0.001). These results suggest that interventions designed to address perceptions of stress related to medical decision-making and familial concerns may need to be targeted to BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and individuals who are highly anxious.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 373-392 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Journal of Behavioral Medicine |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2004 |
Keywords
- BRCA1 and BRCA2
- genetic testing
- perceptions of stress and confidence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychology(all)
- Psychiatry and Mental health