title: Predictors of cognitive appraisals following genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
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 (beta = 0.38, p = 0.0001), while trait anxiety had a significant effect on both perceptions of stress (beta = 0.44, p = 0.0001) and confidence (beta = -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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. chanita@mail.med.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Chanita Hughes
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Halbert
authors.forename: Marc D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: Lari
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wenzel
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Narod
authors.forename: Beth N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Peshkin
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cella
authors.forename: Caryn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lerman
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000523:psychology*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018570:Risk Assessment; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012803:Sick Role