Revealed identity: a study of the process of genetic counselling.
This paper describes a qualitative study of the processes employed within a genetic counselling consultation. These processes, it is argued, can be seen to provide the patient with a genetic identity. But unlike the new identity conferred by the diagnosis of many chronic medical conditions a genetic identity is presented as an old one that is now revealed. This represents a reversal of the stigmatising process: instead of a spoiled identity replacing an actual one, the genetic consultation involves revealing an actual identity in the place of a previously presumed one. In this way, genetic counselling reconstructs identity in the past as well as in the future.
Armstrong
D
D
Department of General Practice, United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals, London, UK.
Michie
S
S
Marteau
T
T
D003142:Communication; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations