title: Online discussion effects on intention to participate in genetic research: A longitudinal experimental study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The National Human Genome Research Institute has emphasised community engagement and public dialogue in the U.S. on issues related to genetics. This study examines how online discussions among the U.S. public directly or indirectly influence psychosocial constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior, including intention to take part in genetic research.
  
  
  METHODS
  After completing the baseline questionnaire, participants (n = 3754) were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: the discussion group, the pre-/post-only group and the End-of-Project group. The discussion group (n = 1824) was invited and participated in up to three online discussions, which were held from November 2008 to May 2009.
  
  
  METHODS
  Behavioural intention, beliefs, attitudes, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control variables were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most interesting finding was that those participating in online discussions had fewer negative beliefs about volunteering for genetic research, which in turn contributed to more positive attitudes, increased injunctive and descriptive norms and enhanced behavioural control. These relationships, then, were associated with higher intention to participate in genetic research.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that continuous public discussions seem to positively affect volunteer intention for genetic research through ameliorating fears of negative consequences.
authors.affiliation: a Nido Qubein School of Communication , High Point University , High Point , NC , USA.
authors.forename: Sojung Claire
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: b Annenberg School for Communication , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA.
authors.forename: Joseph N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Cappella
authors.affiliation: b Annenberg School for Communication , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA.
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Price
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D036281:Genetic Research; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D020407:Internet; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014481:United States; D014838:Volunteers / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Theory of Planned Behavior; intention to participate in genetic research; longitudinal experimental study; mediation analysis; synchronous online discussion