title: The Theory of Genetic Vulnerability: a Roy model exemplar.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of adult genetic testing. Grounded theory was used to plan, guide, and analyze in-depth interviews with 29 participants. The theory of genetic vulnerability was developed and is composed of five concepts: (a) experiencing the family disease, (b) testing for a mutation, (c) fore-grounding inherited disease risk, (d) responding to knowledge of genetic vulnerability, and (e) altering or avoiding the family experience of inherited disease. Roy's model of adaptation is discussed as a valuable lens through which to test and adapt this theory.
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Rebekah J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.forename: Barbara J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Bowers
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D002170:Canada; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis / Q000523:psychology; D003657:Decision Making; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D016294:Models, Nursing; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States