title: Threat to Parental Role: A Possible Mechanism of Altered Self-Concept Related to Carrier Knowledge.
abstract: Researchers and clinicians have suggested that learning one is a carrier for a genetic disorder has the potential to alter self-concept. Concerns about self-concept have influenced the development of policies regarding the availability of carrier testing for minors and the informed-consent process. A literature review identified three mechanisms through which self-concept has been proposed to be affected: altered perception of genetic identity, diminished social identity, and an altered perception of health. This paper presents a conceptual framework developed from identity theory and the "self's response to threat" to propose a fourth mechanism: threat to the parental role. Clarification of the role of self-concept, the threat to self-concept related to carrier knowledge, and coping behaviors activated in response to this threat would help to target appropriate genetic counseling interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, DUMC 3528, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, mccon006@mc.duke.edu.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McConkie-Rosell
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: DeVellis