title: The Life Course Perspective: a Guide for Genetic Counselors.
abstract: This is the first article in a two part series about utilizing the life course perspective (LCP) in genetic counseling. LCP can be a useful tool for genetic counselors when counseling people with a known genetic mutation. Previous theories such as Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSMSR) examine current reactions to a positive genetic test result. LCP extends beyond the current time to explore temporal and contextual elements of the experience. A review of research revealed, LCP has been used to study the perspective of caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease, referral for a family history of breast cancer, Mexican American caregivers of older adult, social class and cancer incidence and cancer and the sense of mastery. Incorporating LCP into a study explaining the experiences of people living with a positive test result for a genetic mutation such as the BRCA mutation provides a comprehensive exploration of this experience.
authors: Department of Women, Children & Family Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, 2624 Newcastle Dr., Carrollton, TX, 75007, USA. rebekah_hamilton@rush.edu.
authors: Rebekah J
authors: RJ
authors: Hamilton
authors: Department of Women, Children & Family Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, 2624 Newcastle Dr., Carrollton, TX, 75007, USA.
authors: Nancy A
authors: NA
authors: Innella
authors: Department of Women, Children & Family Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, 2624 Newcastle Dr., Carrollton, TX, 75007, USA.
authors: Dawn T
authors: DT
authors: Bounds
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000235:genetics; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans
keywords: Life course perspective; Longitudinal study; Qualitative research; Theory development