Usefulness of the Threatening Medical Situations Inventory in individuals considering genetic testing for cancer risk.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the psychometric properties of the Threatening Medical Situations Inventory (TMSI) in a community sample (Study 1), and to examine its usefulness in individuals with a strong family history of cancer (Study 2).


METHODS
Study 1 participants (N=276) completed 2 online surveys, 14 days apart. Study 2 participants (N=311) completed 2 questionnaires, 6 months apart.


RESULTS
Both studies revealed the inventory was psychometrically sound, although some concerns were raised about the factor structure. High monitors in Study 1 reported desiring more health-related information and an active role in medical decision-making. High monitors in Study 2 had the greatest knowledge increase when they received a detailed decision aid, compared to a brief pamphlet.


CONCLUSIONS
The TMSI is appropriate for use in both community and clinical samples. High monitors in the general community are more likely to prefer receiving as much health-related information as possible and desire an active role in decision-making about their health.


CONCLUSIONS
Familial cancer clinic patients may benefit from tailoring the amount of information they receive to their coping style, such that patients who are vigilant information-seekers may benefit most from receiving more detailed information about genetic testing.
Wakefield
Claire E
CE
Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia. c.wakefield@unsw.edu.au
Homewood
Judi
J
Mahmut
Mehmet
M
Taylor
Alan
A
Meiser
Bettina
B
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D003657:Decision Making; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D009517:New South Wales; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000592:standards*; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires