Fatalistic responses to different types of genetic risk information: exploring the role of self-malleability

E.A.M. Claassen, L. Henneman, H.C.W. de Vet, D.L. Knol, T. Marteau, D.R.M. Timmermans

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Providing people with genetic risk information may induce a sense of fatalism, the belief that little can be done to reduce the risk. We postulated that fatalism is a function of health risk information and individual differences in self-perception. DNA-based risk information was hypothesised to generate more fatalism than risk information based on family history or non-genetic risk information. Moreover, people who view themselves as more rather than less able to change self-attributes were hypothesised to respond least fatalistically. Factor analyses in separate samples were used to construct a five-item 'Malleability of self' measure. Predictive validity of the measure was tested using a within-subjects analogue design. Participants responded to three scenario vignettes in which they were informed of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In Scenario 1, risk was ascertained by DNA testing, family history and cholesterol testing; in Scenario 2, it was ascertained by family history and cholesterol testing; in Scenario 3, risk was ascertained by cholesterol testing alone. Scenario 1 was associated with least perceived control over cholesterol level and CVD risk. People who viewed themselves as more able to change self-attributes experienced more control in all three scenarios. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)183-196
    JournalPsychology and Health
    Volume25
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Fatalistic responses to different types of genetic risk information: exploring the role of self-malleability'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this