Family Environment, Social Support, and Psychological Distress of Women Seeking BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genetic Mutation Testing

Shared characteristics and predictors of psychological distress are beginning to be identified in research on women seeking genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. This study further explored patterns of psychological distress for 51 community women waiting to receive such genetic test results. There was no significant relationship between psychological distress and family cancer history, personal cancer history, social support networks, and family environment. Women in this sample tended to rely more on females and relatives for support than males and friends. Social support satisfaction was not related to gender or number of relatives providing support. Thirty-four of the 36 women classified on the family environment type were from Personal Growth-Oriented families. Comparisons with normal and distressed family means revealed increased cohesion and expressiveness with decreased conflict, indicative of supportive family environments. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2002

Author dc:creator

• Keenan, Lisa A.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Guarnaccia, Charles A.
• Kelly, Kimberly S.
• Marshall, Linda L.
• Bodenhamer-Davis, Eugenia
• Blum, Joanne

• Human chromosome abnormalities -- Diagnosis -- Psychological aspects.
• Medical screening -- Psychological aspects.
• Breast -- Cancer -- Diagnosis -- Psychological aspects.
• Women patients -- Psychology.
• Women patients -- Family relationships.
• Women patients -- Social networks.
• genetic mutation
• breast cancer
• psychological distress
• social support
• family environment

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Keenan, Lisa A.
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 50725467
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc3240/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc3240

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc3240