Design and psychometric evaluation of the Psychological Adaptation to Genetic Information Scale.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and psychometrically evaluate the Psychological Adaptation to Genetic Information Scale (PAGIS).


METHODS
A cross-sectional, Web-based survey of participants (n=323) recruited via Internet electronic mailing lists or Websites for people affected by genetic diseases.


METHODS
Item analysis, confirmatory principal components analysis, and internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha were used to construct the 26-item PAGIS.


RESULTS
Five factors (nonintrusiveness, support, self-worth, certainty, and self-efficacy) explained 57.7% of the variance in psychological adaptation to genetic information. The internal consistency reliability of the total PAGIS was .90, and the subscale reliabilities ranged from .77 to .87.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychological adaptation to genetic information is a multidimensional phenomenon comprised of nonintrusiveness, support, self-worth, certainty, and self-efficacy. The PAGIS has initial reliability and validity for use in future research.
Read
Catherine Y
CY
Boston College, Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA. readca@bc.edu
Perry
Donna J
DJ
Duffy
Mary E
ME
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D030881:Disclosure; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D011594:Psychometrics; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*