Contemplating Genetic Feedback Regarding Lung Cancer Susceptibility. Issue 3 (13th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shepperd, James A.; Novell, Corinne A.; O'Neill, Suzanne C.; Docherty, Sharron L.; Sanderson, Saskia C.; McBride, Colleen M.; Lipkus, Isaac M.
• Is Part Of: Annals of behavioral medicine. Volume 47:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 395
• Page End: 403
• Publication Date: 2013-11-13
• Subjects: Lung cancer -- Genes -- Expectations -- Consistency theory -- Self-enhancement theory; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Sick -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Behavioral Medicine; 616.0019
• DOI: 10.1007/s12160-013-9561-z
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-6612

Abstract

Abstract: Background and Purpose: We examined three theoretical models (self-enhancement theory, consistency theory, and a combined model) for understanding how expectations and test result favorability influence smokers' desire for a retest following hypothetical genetic test results. Method: College smokers ( N = 128) read a brochure describing a biomarker for lung cancer (the GSTM1 gene) then reported whether they thought they had the gene (indicating lower lung cancer risk) or were missing the gene (indicating higher lung cancer risk). Participants then reported whether they would get retested if they received favorable GSTM1 results versus unfavorable GSTM1 results. Results: Participants were most likely to want a retest, suggesting rejection of the results, if they expected favorable news yet received unfavorable news. Conclusion: The findings supported the combined model such that smokers expressed greatest interest in a retest when they imagined genetic risk feedback that challenges both enhancement and consistency motives.