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Familial Communication of Positive BRCA1/2 Genetic Testing Results: A Relational Dialectics Theory Approach

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2017, MS, University of Cincinnati, Medicine: Genetic Counseling.
Individuals who receive a genetic testing result revealing a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) gene are encouraged to disclose this result to their biological family members. Various factors are known to influence the disclosure process and variations in the perceived importance of these factors make familial communication complex. The use of a theory grounded in the discipline of communication helped to explore the communicative processes involved in the familial communication of positive BRCA1/2 genetic testing results. By specifically focusing on the parent-adult child relationship, we gathered important knowledge on the unique dynamics that influence the BRCA1/2 experience in the individual and within the relationship. Semi-structured, dyadic interviews were conducted with an individual who received a positive BRCA1/2 genetic testing result together with his/her adult child. A total of fourteen dyadic pairs participated. Among the adult children, seven tested positive, three tested negative, and four had not pursued testing. Adult children seek parental input on testing and management options, but want to make their decisions autonomously. Family cancer history can impact how a parent and adult child contextualize personal and/or familial risk, sometimes inaccurately. Within the parent-adult child relationship, conversations related to the BRCA experience continue beyond the first disclosure. We discuss how our findings serve as a resource for clinicians to guide conversations with patients about the challenges and complexities of sharing results with family members, particularly with children.
Shaunak Sastry, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Jennifer Hopper, M.S. L.G.C. (Committee Member)
Rebecca Sisson, M.S. L.G.C. (Committee Member)
46 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Suzuki, A. (2017). Familial Communication of Positive BRCA1/2 Genetic Testing Results: A Relational Dialectics Theory Approach [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1504787059498275

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Suzuki, Ayaka. Familial Communication of Positive BRCA1/2 Genetic Testing Results: A Relational Dialectics Theory Approach. 2017. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1504787059498275.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Suzuki, Ayaka. "Familial Communication of Positive BRCA1/2 Genetic Testing Results: A Relational Dialectics Theory Approach." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1504787059498275

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)