Predictors of cognitive appraisals following genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
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.
Halbert
Chanita Hughes
CH
Department of Psychiatry and Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. chanita@mail.med.upenn.edu
Schwartz
Marc D
MD
Wenzel
Lari
L
Narod
Steven
S
Peshkin
Beth N
BN
Cella
David
D
Lerman
Caryn
C
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