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Kaitlin Banduch Thesis.pdf (635.9 KB)

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Using the Theory of Motivated Information Management (TMIM) and Family Communication Patterns (FCP) to Understand Individual Decisions to Undergo Genetic Testing for Huntington's Disease (HD)

Banduch, Kaitlin
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1397834101

Abstract Details

2014, MA, Kent State University, College of Communication and Information / School of Communication Studies.
This study explored the relationship between family communication and individuals' decision-making process related to genetic testing for Huntington's disease (HD). HD is a rare genetic disease that attacks the nervous system, affecting both physical and psychological functioning. Individuals can become aware of their HD status through genetic testing in order to engage in secondary prevention measures which slow the progression of HD and increase longevity. To understand the influence family communication has on individuals' decision related to genetic testing for HD, this study proposed a conceptual model that combines the family conversation orientation from Koerner and Fitzpatrick's (2002a) Family Communication Patterns framework and Afifi and Weiner's (2004) Theory of Motivated Information Management. To test the hypotheses and answer the research question derived from the conceptual model, a survey method was implemented. Results suggest that the family conversation orientation is useful for providing insight into the general patterns of family communication surrounding HD-related issues, such as genetic testing. TMIM was limited in its usefulness to understand individuals' decision-making process; only partial insight was gained into one phase of this process. The proposed link between family communication and individuals' decision-making process related the genetic test was not supported. Findings suggest that other communication influences, beyond the family, may play an important role in the decision whether to undergo genetic testing for HD. Future research should aim to better understand potential communication influences beyond the family and provide further insight into individuals' experience of the decision-making process related to genetic testing for HD.
Rebecca Cline, PhD (Advisor)
Communication; Health
family communication; individual decision-making process; genetic testing; Huntingtons disease

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Banduch, K. (2014). Using the Theory of Motivated Information Management (TMIM) and Family Communication Patterns (FCP) to Understand Individual Decisions to Undergo Genetic Testing for Huntington's Disease (HD) [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1397834101

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Banduch, Kaitlin. Using the Theory of Motivated Information Management (TMIM) and Family Communication Patterns (FCP) to Understand Individual Decisions to Undergo Genetic Testing for Huntington's Disease (HD) . 2014. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1397834101.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Banduch, Kaitlin. "Using the Theory of Motivated Information Management (TMIM) and Family Communication Patterns (FCP) to Understand Individual Decisions to Undergo Genetic Testing for Huntington's Disease (HD) ." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1397834101

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1397834101
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© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.